“And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.'” – Matthew 28:18-20
Every morning, Elizabeth Elliot would wake up and ask God, “What are my marching orders for today?” She understood something profound: you only ask that question of someone you believe has authority over your life. Jesus doesn’t make suggestions or offer helpful tips, he gives commands rooted in His complete authority over heaven and earth. The Great Commission isn’t just for pastors or missionaries; it’s the universal calling for every follower of Christ. The moment you became a believer, you became commissioned. The question isn’t whether you’re called to make disciples, but where and how you’ll obey that calling today.
Notice that Jesus doesn’t say, “If you feel equipped” or “When you’re ready.” He simply says “Go.” There’s an urgency and intentionality baked into this command. But here’s the beautiful part: He doesn’t send us alone. “Lo, I am with you always” isn’t just a comforting thought—it’s the power source for the impossible task. You don’t need a theology degree or years of training to start making disciples. You need a love for God, a love for people, and a willingness to step into the uncomfortable spaces where God is already at work. What if today you stopped waiting to be “ready enough” and simply asked God, “Where are You sending me?”
Reflect:
- When you wake up each morning, do you see yourself as “sent” by Jesus, or do you view your day as primarily your own? What would change if you truly believed you were on assignment?
- Who in your immediate sphere of influence—family, workplace, neighborhood—doesn’t know Jesus? Have you been waiting for someone else to reach them, or are you willing to be the one God uses?
- Ask God to give you His heart for the lost people in your life. Pray for the courage to see yourself as sent, with marching orders from the One who has all authority.
