Clarion Call

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God. (Luke 24:50-53)

Pastor Sam shared with us that Jesus responded to the disciples’ doubt with a clarifying mandate. The mandate was to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19a). The Luke account of the disciples’ commission describes how the disciples returned to Jerusalem: “with great joy” (Luke 24:52b). Their ministry was launched not in fear of the Pharisees and religious leaders of the time, but with praise to their Lord.

We, too, are called to go and make disciples. It is not solely a call to those who hold the ministry office of apostle, evangelist, or pastor. Every Christian holds this call to share the gospel.

Let us approach our evangelism mandate with great joy.

Let us praise God, completely freed from the fear of man.

Let us share, everywhere, the truth of the gospel.

Lord God,

You have called us;

You have saved us;

You have sent us.

We praise You!

We rejoice in You!

God, search our hearts and find no fear.

Find in us pure adoration of Your Grace.

Find in us pure desire to do what makes You smile.

We love You… and we will go wherever You send us.

Empower us to draw the world to You.

We ask this in Jesus’s name. Amen.

All Scripture references are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.