Mark 16:9-20

“And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.’” (Mark 16:15, NKJV)

While we were on our mission trip in Romania, several of us wore a t-shirt with the words, “The Great Commission.” Underneath are the flags of nations we have visited, including Mexico to which we will send a team next year. Whenever I consider what the Lord has done, I am blessed beyond measure! When Cindy and I and our two children moved to Boise 32 years ago, we would never have imagined that we would be sending teams of disciples all over the world. But this is the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

One of the speakers at our Romanian Leadership Conference said that he has never saved anyone. What he has done is to bring Christ to thousands of people. He compared this to lighting a stick of dynamite and putting it into the hand of another. The power is not in our skill of persuasion; the power is in the Gospel itself. We must simply tell others and let the Holy Spirit do His work.

But how many of us are proactively doing this? Are we intentional in bringing the love, grace, and truth of Jesus to others? I’m afraid that for many, these last words of Jesus to His disciples are not “The Great Commission” but “The Great Omission.” What hinders us from giving the greatest gift we can ever give to another? Is it fear? Is it indifference? Or maybe we just don’t believe the Gospel is that powerful. And while we debate within or are distracted by other things, millions are perishing having no hope and without God (Ephesians 2:12).

If we would fulfill these words of Jesus, then I believe we must watch and pray. Consider the people you know or meet. Don’t you want to see them in heaven? Begin today praying for them and asking God for an opportunity to bring Jesus to them. One by one, light the stick of dynamite and put it into their hands!

“Heavenly Father, please forgive us when we have neglected these most important words of Jesus. Give us your heart for others and the boldness to share the Good News of your Son and of His work on the cross to save us from our sins. Help us also share the wonderful hope of His resurrection. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.”