And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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 all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 ESV
Believers should not forget the ultimate purpose for which Jesus redeemed them. Yes, the Lord died so we can be saved. But we are saved so we can do Jesus’ great commission work. This was the assignment given to every believer to ensure that every human being will be exposed to the gospel and are aware of the gift of salvation.
Unfortunately, too many Christians are disinterested in the great commission. Others find the call to make disciples to be inconvenient. Some even find the great commission of Jesus Christ to be politically incorrect. Thus, they purport that spirituality is a private matter and no one should try to convince anyone else to confess that Jesus is Lord. Yet that is precisely what Jesus asked His disciples to do. We are to go and make disciples of all nations by telling them, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
The beginning of every year presents us with an opportunity to be renewed for the great commission. This renewal begins with refocusing our minds and spirits on God and inviting His Holy Spirit to give us fresh fire and fresh anointing to proclaim the mighty name of Jesus. The renewal comes from recommitting ourselves to our kingdom assignment given to us by Jesus.
There is more to salvation than going to church. The gift of salvation requires a response from those who have accepted it. That response is actualized when we proclaim the name of Jesus and make disciples for him. It compels us to prioritize God’s kingdom agenda over our agenda.
Everyone needs to be renewed for the great commission no matter their role or position in ministry. To be renewed is an invitation for God to search us and know our hearts. It comes from a desire for sanctification as we petition the Lord to know our thoughts so that His will can supersede ours.
One of the best resolutions a believer should make is to be renewed for the great commission. This resolution beckons the Holy Spirit to order our steps as we journey with Christ throughout the new year. It invigorates our spiritual muscles to be ready to do Jesus’ great commission work with obedience and persistence.
Every year we are blessed to experience is an indication that God has given us more opportunities to do the great commission work. Therefore, we should pray for God to give us a new heart and a renewed mind so we can become zealous about making disciples for Jesus. Our triune God has invited us to partner with Him to spread the good news of salvation throughout the world. This is an awesome opportunity that no one should reject or decline. It does not matter how involved you were in proclaiming Jesus last year. This is a new year. Therefore, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.” God is doing a new thing in you and needs you to be renewed for the great commission. Isaiah 43:18-19
Questions for Personal Reflection
What will it take for you to be renewed for the great commission?
What are the benefits of being renewed for the great commission?
Prayer- Blessed Lord, I thank you for being my Redeemer and Savior. I want to be renewed for the great commission throughout 2023. May your Holy Spirit saturate my heart and my mind so I can be zealous about proclaiming the name of Jesus for all the world to hear. Amen!
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