Devotional #48. The Gospel to All Nations

Matthew 28:18-20 (CSB). All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 19  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, 20  teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

From the moment sin entered into the world, the Bible tells of the unfolding plan of God to redeem his creation. It has always been his desire for all people to come to a saving relationship in Jesus Christ. Thus, when Jesus commands us to go and make disciples, he does not specify a particular place or people. Jesus simply commands his followers to reach the entire world--every tribe, tongue, race, people, ethnicity, nation, and population group.

There is no room for bias. The Christian community is made up of varied cultural expressions and human faces. The elements that define us are not based in our physical or cultural markings, but in our spiritual adoption in Jesus and his calling upon our lives. The Kingdom of God is our cultural marker, and we have been molded into one body. Christ is the head--and we follow his lead. Thus, we reach out to the whole world in an effort to obey the command of our Lord and Savior.

There is joy obedience. There is also wonder and amazement in the work of the Spirit. It is the Spirit of God that transforms the various lives who believe in the Gospel message. These new believers morph spiritually into the body of Christ, bringing about a long-lost unity and connectedness that faded through the fall and is now virtually invisible within the diversity of human existence. The goal of the Spirit, and thus of missions in general, is to provide unity and connectivity for those who share faith in Jesus Christ. We do not promote our personal culture, nor should we attempt to build the church in the image of our own identity. Our goal--even Jesus' command--is to share the good news of Jesus Christ through preaching, baptism, and discipleship. And we are to do this for all nations--so that all of humanity may again find a way to unity as image-bearers of God. Go to all nations--so that we may be a part of the creation of ONE KINGDOM in the name of Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for the clear command to go to all of humanity, regardless of the distance that lies between us. Provide for our travel (both funding and safety). Change or priorities. Help us to focus on spreading the simple Gospel message for the growth of your agenda and Kingdom. Forgive us where we have lost focus of our mission. Take away our pride and replace it with the power of the Gospel. May your good news be our primary focus.

Blessings. Amen.