Saturday, October 17, 2009

October 17, 2009

"Therefore go................." Matthew 28:19


I confess to possessing a strange sense of humor. Some people don't appreciate British humor, but I do. I'm not sure why but I do.
Years ago there was a bizarre British Comedy Troupe called Monty Python's Flying Circus. They did some hilarious bits. One of them was the weird Olympics featuring all sorts of strange events. For example, they had the 100 yard dash for people with no sense of direction. The contestants came to the starting line, took their marks, got set in their starting blocks, and when the gun fired - they took off in every direction possible. You can't run a race like that!
I shared that because too often that illustrates how Christians live their lives. We go in every imaginable direction and get nowhere fast. Therefore, they live non-productive lives and populate ineffective churches.
When Jesus said, "Go! He had a specific purpose in mind." That purpose is to win converts and make disciples.
God intends His people to live on purpose. Are you? Do you face each day with a plan of how you will serve Him? Who will you touch today with His grace? How will you bless the people you work with today? Will His light shine through you today?
The call to make disciples begins with you. What will you do today to grow as a disciple of Jesus? Is there something you need to overcome? Is there something you need to surrender? Is there something you need to confess? What do you need to receive from God? You can make disciples if you aren't purposely being a disciple.
When an Olympic sprinter comes to the line in the 100 meters he has a purpose in mind. He is running for the gold! The only thing he purposes to do is to stay in his lane and run straight for the tape. Everything he does after the gun sounds is done on purpose. No wasted motion, no missteps.
That is what Jesus had in mind when He said, "Go!"
Go somewhere on purpose! Sprint to the finish! Make every step matter. Be a disciple so you can make disciples!