By Cindy Allen
As I think about the theme of Go and Tell, it kind of makes my chest get tight. I am more of a “Come, and I Will Tell You” girl. Come to Sunday School, I teach that. Come to Ladies Bible Study, I can lead a session. Come to Kids Bible Club, I will be there too. But Go and Tell…does that really mean me?
As I have read the other blogs, I sense that this phrase strikes a chord with others too. But yes, it is for all of us. As Jackie pointed out, the great commission isn’t just for the pastor, or deacons, or missionaries. It is for the Christians, and guess what? I am one of them.
I think one reason the Great Commission causes me to shutter is that I feel like I am the one doing it. I have to step out of my comfort zone. I have to face my friend or family member. I might be rejected or ridiculed. I might be asked a hard question.
However, if we read the Great Commission at the end of Matthew, we see something amazing. It is bookended with Jesus. In 28:18, Jesus says “all authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.” Matthew 28 ends with Jesus saying, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” In the middle of these two verses, he tells us to “go and make disciples.” I do need to be going and telling but Jesus is with me every step of the way. It is by his power I can talk to someone, I can mention his faithfulness, his salvation.
If you read Acts, you will see the power of Jesus, and the Holy Spirit on display. After receiving the Holy Spirit, Peter preached a sermon and 3000 were saved. Peter, remember him? Peter who often opened his mouth when he should have just listened. Peter who said he would die for Jesus, then denied him when the going got tough. Peter who cut off a man’s ear. THAT PETER harnessed the power of OUR JESUS and spoke before a huge crowd, and JESUS’ POWER caused lives to be changed. If we feel fear, when we feel fear, we need to harness the power of Jesus. It is readily available.
Just how do we harness this power? Keep reading in Acts and you will find out. Chapter 2 ends with a description of the early church. Here are some key phrases I have underlined in my Bible.
- They devoted themselves to teaching
- Everyone was filled with awe over what the apostles did
- Every day they devoted themselves to meeting in the temple
- They had joyful and sincere hearts
- They praised God
The 2nd chapter ends with these words, “Every day the Lord added to their number, those who were being saved.”
That is what our world needs, our community, our neighborhood, our families. They need to be saved, to be added to our number. And that requires us to be busy about God’s work, just like the early church was. These people tapped into the power source and changed the world.
If you listen to contemporary Christian music, you have probably heard Jeremy Camp sing “The Same Power”. If you have not, you should find it and give it a listen. “The same power that rose Jesus from the grave, lives in us.” It is readily available; we just have to harness it.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank you for saving my soul. Not only did you rescue me from hell, but you daily pour into my life; giving wisdom, encouragement, and peace. Lord help me to be bold and share my story with others. As you place people in my path, help me to share my story and in doing so may you add precious souls to your kingdom.
SCRIPTURE: Acts 2; Acts 4
RESPONSE: Go and Tell in Jesus’ power