Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ’All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations . . .’ —Matthew 28:18-19
“Then the eleven disciples went . . . to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them” (Matthew 28:16). If I want to know the universal sovereignty of Christ, I must know Him myself. I must take time to worship the One whose name I bear. Jesus says, “Come to Me . . .”— that is the place to meet Jesus— “all you who labor and are heavy laden . . .” (Matthew 11:28)— and how many missionaries are! We completely dismiss these wonderful words of the universal Sovereign of the world, but they are the words of Jesus to His disciples meant for here and now.
“Go therefore . . . .” To “go” simply means to live. Acts 1:8 is the description of how to go. Jesus did not say in this verse, “Go into Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria,” but, “. . . you shall be witnesses to Me in [all these places].” He takes upon Himself the work of sending us.
“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you . . .” (John 15:7)— that is the way to keep going. Where we are placed is then a matter of indifference to us, because God sovereignly engineers our goings.
“None of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus . . .” (Acts 20:24). That is how to keep going until we are gone from this life.
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October 15, 2013
Journal for Today-JDV
Dear Lord, thank you for the reminder that You have a plan for me and You will provide the light….. Cause sometimes I simply do not have the strength or energy to step out in faith. Sometimes I cannot figure out how to even take the next step…..but then You remind me that is not my responsibility to provide light, strength or even take the next step. I simply trust You.
And God says…”Seek Me first and all that you need will be provided. Delight yourself in Me, acknowledge Me in all your ways, and I will make your paths straight and give you the desires of your heart. All you need do is be available and connected to Me, I will provide everything else, including the circumstances necessary for shaping you into My image and likeness. Seek Me, and I will provide the light, energy, faith, hope and love you need for your days, and I will provide the opportunities for you to share the light I provide. “