By Pastor Steve Nickodemus
Don’t Hold Back!
You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this SoundCloud link.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19-20 English Standard Version
Are you ready to go? You may answer to that question, “Go? Go where?” If you and I are to go anywhere, we need to know where we are going. Or do we?
When Jesus commissioned his disciples to “Go”, He did not tell them exactly where they were going. But he did tell them: What they were to do, what they were to say, and most importantly, who was going with them!
What they were to do? They were to make disciples of all nations. To do this they were to go, to baptize, and teach.
What they were to say? They were to proclaim repentance for the forgiveness of sins in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (See Luke 24:47.)
Who was going with them? Jesus was going with them. He would always be with them, even to the end of the world.
And Jesus gives you and me the same command; to go, to make disciples, to baptize, to teach. The message is the same; repent, receive forgiveness for your sins in the name of Jesus. And the promise of who goes with you is the same; Jesus Himself!
It is for this purpose that He has redeemed us by His blood and sent His Holy Spirit, that we might make disciples of all nations. We are to let nothing hold us back; not our fear, nor our inadequacies, nor our lack of learning, nor our past sins. In Christ Jesus we are forgiven and made His apostles, sent to go into all the world. Don’t hold back! And let nothing hold you back. It is time to go!
Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church Colorado Springs, Colorado
