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7. Christ’s Command to Preach to all the Nations (Matthew 28:19)
MATTHEW 28:19
19 … Go, and make disciples of all nations,… (Matthew 24:14, Mark 16:15-16, 2 Corinthians 5:10)
If anyone is willing to obey this command of Christ, he will need guidance from the Spirit of the Lord. You may ask, “To whom shall I go? Nobody cares for the gospel or longs for the Word of God.” The Good Shepherd answers you, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” You have the right to ask the Savior to guide you to those whom the Holy Spirit is working in.
If you find someone seeking for truth, listen to their worries first so that you can feel his troubles and sufferings. Do not give them ready-made answers, but ask Jesus to guide you in what He wants you to tell this seeker. Ask for the right words for each person in each situation. If you are fearful about sharing God’s Word, ask the Lord for grace to help you. This way you will overcome the fear which hinders you from speaking God’s Word and being an obedient servant of Christ. Do not forget to pray for this person before, during, and after your meeting with them. You must care for them, showing them the love of Christ.
Whoever wants to win listeners, must present to them something that draws them, something that they long for and seek after. Students in universities listen to their professors present powerful and useful lectures. Christians have a far more interesting, exciting, and valuable message. They know God, their Father who cares for them. They have experienced Jesus who saved them from death and has cleansed them from all unrighteousness. The Holy Spirit comforts them offering them love, joy, peace, longsuffering, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We have a living hope in Christ’s resurrection from the dead, and we look forward to His return. You have a meaning for life and an aim for the future. You are not lost but found. Therefore, cast aside your uncertainty of what Jesus has given, and present his gospel to those that the Lord guides you to. He has planted in you eternal life since you believed in the Prince and Giver of Life.
Christ granted His followers power to spread the gospel in the Mediterranean countries first, then in Persia. The message of Christ’s triumph then proceeded to Europe and Central Asia until it reached China. When America and the seaway to India were discovered, the living Christ opened all the countries to hear his gospel. Today, the children of Abraham and all the communist countries should hear the heavenly message. All believers are expected to take part, whether through preaching, praying or giving. Only one-third of the world population considers themselves Christians. Two-thirds do not yet know Christ and His salvation. How long will you rest while the world waits for your service?
PRAYER: Our greatest Master, You accepted us as Your disciples and declared to us Your gospel that is filled with power, wisdom, and guidance. You changed us that we shall apply what You taught us. Forgive us if we have been slack, and forgive us if we have neglected to reach out to those who do not know the power of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Help us to share with them Your knowledge, power, love, and peace that they may recognize that You are their Savior, and know the heavenly Father by the power of Your Holy Spirit.
QUESTION:
- How many people on the earth have not yet heard the gospel? What is your role in this?