If it were possible for me to describe my life with one word, I would choose the word "mission." This speaks of purpose and commitment. It speaks of dependence upon the mighty power of God, for what can an instrument do of itself unless it be in the hands of the Master Worker. Who am I that I should be entrusted with so great a task and responsibility as that of "Christ's Ambassador" in the world in which I live?
I find great comfort when, in studying the Scriptures, I look upon those whom the Lord chose to be His representatives. They were poor; they were without position. They did not have influence or the kind of education that people today would associate with great leaders. Yet, these men were destined to play a great role not only in their world but also in the lives of generations that would follow. They were indeed destined for unique greatness.
Amidst much misunderstanding, abuse and hatred on the part of the people who rejected the person of Christ, these disciples followed their Lord. They absorbed and marveled at the truth and purity of His words. They were dazzled and astounded by the unusual and magnificent demonstration of His power. They were dumbfounded and shocked by the horror of His death. Suddenly, their faith became renewed and their life recharged with hope, as they witnessed the triumph of Christ over death. They shouted to the world, "He is risen!" They were witnesses of the fact that the grave could not bind nor hold Him who is the giver of life. Looking upon these "Heralds of Glad Tidings," they were ordinary people.
Now, once again, these men are gathered around the risen Savior by special appointment to receive special instructions. Reminding them of His power and authority both in heaven and on earth, Jesus said: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you always even unto the end of the world." (Matthew 28:19-20).
This command of Jesus, often regarded as the Great Commission, has been a source of both challenge and inspiration to His followers in every generation! People, whose lives had been transformed by Christ, were willing to pay whatever the cost in fulfilling this command. They were persecuted, imprisoned, exiled, stoned, crucified, burned and beheaded. Yet, nothing could stop them, not even the powers of hell! This same challenge to service has now come to us. How will we respond?
It is foolhardy to imagine that the command to go and preach the Gospel was restricted to the eleven disciples alone. They were not the only ones present when Jesus spoke those words. The Apostle Paul gives us further information which would dispel these thoughts when he states that more than five hundred were present at the time He gave the command (1 Corinthians 15:6). Also, Luke tells us that in the upper room there were several present besides the disciples, including the two from Emmaus. To them He also declared that they would be His witnesses (Luke 24:47-48). Thus, we can only conclude that "Christ's last command should indeed be our first concern!"
The word "go" in the Great Commission is not an imperative. More properly translated, it speaks of continued action — "as you go, preach." This implies that we should be witnessing wherever we are or wherever we go. When studying the lives of the early Christians, we see that they "went every where preaching the Word" (Acts 8:4).
Luke's account of the Great Commission is recorded in these words: "Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day; and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things" (Luke 24:46-48). "And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15) are the words recorded in Mark's account.
John's account, perhaps, is the most meaningful on this subject. He recalls the words of Christ spoken in the upper room, "Peace be unto you; as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you" (John 20:21). There can be no question whatsoever as to our mission in this world!
Our mission in life is no different from that of the early Christian church. They created circumstances ripe for evangelism. They never shunned their responsibilities. They were instant in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2). They looked upon problems as challenges. It was said of them that they were turning "the world upside down" (Acts 17:6). Would to God that this could be said of us today!
Alex Leonovich
Evangelical Baptist Herald
Summer 1996
