Day 6: The Great Commission

Week One: Look, Mourn, Confess

Day 6: The Great Commission

September 19, 2024

Matthew 28:19-20

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."

Devotional
Welcome to The Turnaround’s 52 Days of Prayer!

 

Introduction

Welcome to Day 6 of the 52 Days of Prayer! Today, we are reminded of the Great Commission Jesus gave to His followers. It’s a call that extends to each of us, no matter where we are or what we do.

Insight

In my childhood church, there was an old gentleman who was a returned missionary. He was a good man, and passionate about the cause of world evangelism. He always insisted that this verse meant that “Everyone needs to go! If you don’t go, you need to have a good excuse.”

At first glance, you might conclude he was right, just by looking at the English of this verse. It seems to demand a literal “going” to distant lands. But if we look deeper into the original Greek text, we discover something different. The main verb is not “go” but rather “teach” (KJV) or “make disciples” (ESV). That’s the core command of the verse: “while you’re going, make disciples.”

That’s convicting, isn’t it?

Jesus already knows you’re going to go. You’re going to go to Walmart. You’re going to go to family reunions and funerals. You’re going to go to school or work or the gym. And while you’re going-Make disciples! It’s not about waiting for a specific mission trip or a unique calling; it’s about living on mission wherever you are.

And yet, sometimes we live our Christian lives like kids waiting up against the fence to be picked for kickball. (Didn’t you hate that?!) Waiting, wishing, hoping, but not always good enough. For those who have felt that way, I have good news. 

You don’t need to wait for someone to pick you or give you permission. Jesus has already given you a Great Commission!

Turnaround Questions

As you go about your daily routine, are you living with an awareness that you are on mission for Jesus? Take a moment to reflect on your everyday interactions—at the store, at work, in your neighborhood. How can you intentionally seek opportunities to make disciples in your everyday “going”? Are there specific people God has placed in your path who need encouragement, the gospel, or an invitation to church? How might you change your mindset to view every place you go as a mission field?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that the Great Commission is for every moment of our lives, not just for special occasions or specific places. Forgive us when we forget that we are always on mission for You. Help us to see every encounter as an opportunity to share Your love and truth. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, that we might have the courage, wisdom, and love to make disciples wherever we are, whether at work, school, or even during our everyday errands. Open our eyes to see the people around us who are in need of Your grace, comfort, and truth. May we be faithful in living out Your call and trust that You are always with us, guiding and empowering us. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

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