Monthly Archives: June 2011

Go

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I’ve heard it said before that each Gospel in the Bible, when taken together, paints a complete picture of who Jesus was and is. I’ve always like that understanding, and I think that the Gospels really do that. We see, by reading them who Jesus really is.

And, because of that, each Gospel will speak to us in different ways. And, being a little spastic and ADD, I’ve always like Mark’s Gospel.

Why?

In Mark, Jesus is always on the move. He’s always going. Doing. Teaching. Moving. The word immediately is used over and over again in Mark’s Gospel. And, for someone who doesn’t sit still well, I’ve always liked that.

One of the passages I’ve read today is from Matthew’s Gospel, but it could really fit into what Mark emphasized about Jesus. Except in this passage from Matthew, it’s not talking about Jesus. It’s talking about us.

Listen to this well-known passage from Matthew:

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

This is the Great Commission. And it starts off with that magic and important word.

Go.

Go to all nations. Go. Go to them. Don’t wait on them.

For far too long we, as the church, and as Christians, have waited on “them” to come to us. The time for waiting over. We are called to go.

Go to them. Go to the hurting. Go to the lost. Go to the least, the last, the weak, the sick, the sore.

Go to the ones needing to hear about the grace and salvation of God.

Go to the ones that are in need of knowing that God loves them and that there is a Savior who died for them.

Don’t wait on them to come to you. You go to them. You take the first step. You make the first move.

But, I can’t you might say. I can’t do it. I’m afraid. I’m scared. I’m worried. I can’t.

Yes you can. You can do it. You have more strength and ability then you’ll ever know. You can.

How? Remember what Jesus told us.

I’ll be with you, even to the end of the age.

When you go, He goes with you. Where you go, He goes with you. You don’t go alone.

He goes with you.

Today, who is God calling you to go to? Where is God calling you to go?

Today, no matter where that is, may we each do it. Today, may we Go.

First Things First

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We live in a busy world.  Now, it is summer, so things, at times, may be a little slower. But, by and large, the world we live in is pretty busy. There always seems to be something coming up next we have to worry about. Something next we have to do. Something next that demands our time and our attention.

And, because there is always something to worry about and focus on, we only have so much ability to focus and think through things.  There’s only so much mental focus that we have. Eventually we will lose it.

So, what’s first?  In your life, with all that you’ve got going on, all that you’ve got to focus on, what’s first? What takes the priority in your mind for what to focus on?  Listen to Jesus’ words of advice this morning:

And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.

Jesus reminds us to keep the first things first.  Focus on what matters.  Focus on what is truly most important.

The Father knows we need things to live.  He knows we need food and drink.  He knows we need the basics of life.  He is aware of that. He hasn’t forgotten.  He knows.

And He will take care of us.  He will not leave or forsake us.  He knows our needs and will provide our daily bread.

So don’t worry about it. As much as we may want to. As much as we can’t help it. As hard as it may be.

Don’t worry about it.

Keep first things first. Keep your focus on Him.  Chase after God.  Keep your mind on the things of God today.  Make Him your priority.  Make Him first.

And He will take care of the rest.