“Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”
- Matthew 28:16-20 -

When the risen Jesus gave his commission to followers gathered in Galilee, he told them to make disciples of all nations and teach them the way of Christ. It must have seemed an incredibly tall order to a small group of Jewish men who had spent their entire lives within a small part of the earth. Christ spoke to both those who believed and those who doubted; his commission was not based on the strength of faith of his followers, but on his own power.

Without Christ’s power, the disciples could accomplish nothing. We know that ourselves, as God commissions us afresh to continue the work passed down to us. We do not rely on our strength and we are not disqualified by our doubts, because all power in heaven and earth is given to Jesus. Our weakness is made perfect in Christ’s strength, even when evil seems to flourish and truth brings persecution, but we need to hold on to the promise he made to his disciples, for it is true for us today. Christ will indeed be with us always, even to the end of the world. His love will sustain us. Hallelujah!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, your call is clear. I am to witness, disciple, and bring the light into the dark places of my world. Teach me and use me.

(A Summary from Encounter with God)