Date: 11-27-2020

Title: Marching Orders

(S) cripture:
    Matthew 28:18-20 (NASB) And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

(O) bservation:
    This is commonly referred to as the “Great Commission.” Here Jesus gives the church and believers their marching orders for the future. The first order is to make disciples. Making disciples is to be our main focus in all we do.

(A) pplication:
    As I live my life and serve a church I must ask, “What am I emphasizing in my ministry? What is the church emphasizing?” If it is something other than making disciples, then it is off track. Making disciples affects every area of our lives. It is not just about bringing people to Jesus although that is the place to start because that is the first commitment of a disciple. There are social and justice issues that are addressed when we live like Jesus did but those come as we mature in our faith walk with Jesus. As I think about the remaining years of my life and ministry, I must be sure that making disciples is the focus. I will intentionally make that the focus for my future.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, as I look to life ahead for me and for the church let me lead by example in making disciples. Help me to lead people to faith in Jesus and then to growth in their new found faith. Grant me the wisdom I need to make this the focus of my life. Amen