GO!

“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you.  And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 NIV
 
            Several years ago, I had the privilege of going on a mission trip to Mexico along with about 80 other people from South Carolina.  We were divided into teams and worked at a variety of mission sites.  Each team had at least one interpreter since most of us did not speak Spanish.  My husband and I were blessed to be on a team with a wonderful couple, Brunette and Alfredo.  One afternoon several people from our team headed to a local store similar to Walmart.  It was quite a hike from our hotel and our time was limited so we were in a bit of a hurry.  Suddenly Brunette darted into a business, spoke with the woman at the counter and came back out a few minutes later.  Brunette asked me, “Did you see what she was reading?” I hadn’t even noticed a woman in the shop much less what she was reading. Yet Brunette had noticed, went in, spoke with the woman, and gave her a tract about Jesus.  All in just a couple of minutes.  The lady had been reading material from a religion that does not teach the truth of Jesus. Brunette gave her Truth. As she was going, Brunette had her eyes open for opportunities to share Jesus with others, to plant seeds of faith.  She sows as she goes.
          The Great Commission, our marching orders directly from Jesus, tells us to “Go and make disciples of all nations…”  The word translated “go” in this verse is also translated “as you are going”.  As you are going make disciples.  That means as we are going through our busy day to day routines, we are to have our eyes open, be alert, ready to recognize any opportunities to share the gospel and God’s Word.  These opportunities may come in many forms; perhaps a co-worker who needs a friend, a young teenager who needs help, our own children or grandchildren who need attention, even a stranger who crosses our path. Be alert, with eyes and mind open to these opportunities and take advantage of them.  Be ready to plant a seed or harvest fruit. Be a disciple and be ready to make disciples.  A disciple is simply one who learns from another and then teaches others.  Learn from Jesus and then teach others how to follow Him through your words and your actions. And remember, He is always with you.
 
                            Lord, thank you for your Word that teaches us about you                                                              and about your commands to us. Help me to follow                                                                           after you closely and be your disciple.                                                                                    Help me to recognize the opportunities                                                                                         you give me to make disciples.                                                  Thank you for always being with me wherever I go.