Into All The World

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The disciples gathered on the Mount of Olives, eagerly expectant to hear from Jesus. Take a moment to relax and imagine yourself on the mountain with the disciples 2,000 years ago. How do you feel being in the presence of the Savior of the World? Do you feel the same sense of anticipation of the disciples waiting to hear the next words King Jesus would say? Now imagine Jesus speaking His last words directly to you as He says, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” (Mark 16:15) Did you savor every word?

Finally, you see Jesus ascend into the clouds. He is going home to Heaven to be exalted to the place of highest honor at God’s right hand. How did you feel to have witnessed this powerful event?

Jesus Christ said his last words 40 days after His Resurrection and ascended into Heaven. The Ascension marked the end of Christ’s earthly ministry. His last instructions are known as The Great Commission given to His disciples. His instructions are for the disciples to go into all the world and spread The Gospel to all nations. The disciples were empowered by His words, obeyed this command and spent the rest of their lives telling others about Him.

The commissioning of the disciples applies to us today. It’s an assignment given to us, not just to the disciples 2,000 years ago. We also have the responsibility to fulfill the Great Commission and implement His will.

Take time to ask yourself if you are fulfilling the Great Commission? Like the disciples, has your experience on the Mount of Olives propelled you to take action? Do you feel as empowered as the disciples did 2,000 years ago? Do you consider it a choice? Or an instruction that only applies to those called to the mission field? Hudson Taylor, missionary to China once said, “The Great Commission is not an option to be considered; it is a command to be obeyed.”

You may ask “but how can I fulfill the Great Commission if I am not called to the mission field?” You don’t have to move to a distant land but you can certainly pray for our missionaries or support them financially. If you are not called to the mission field, did you know that your mission field is your community, your workplace, and your family? In fact, your mission filed is anywhere you find yourself!

Have you shared the Good News with anyone lately? Or ever? Pray and ask God to use you and place people in your life that you can lead to His unfailing love. Trust in the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit that dwells inside you. Imagine how your obedience can change someone’s life and grow God’s Kingdom. And remember, He promised to always be with you: “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)

If you desire to learn more about how to pray for your community, come to our monthly Saddleback Women pray meetings. You can find details posted on our social media pages.