Mar 27

Now It Begins -Part III

avatar Published in Untagged  by Pastor Mark
  There is a vital component to the process of discipleship and following the Lord's prompting for our lives that we must not forget in our discussion, and that is the constant presence and help of the Lord.  Looking so far at just two passages in Matthew and in Mark we can see that the Lord gave clear instructions as to what the disciples were to do (Make Disciples) and to expect(Signs to Follow) His favor.  As we talk together about the path we should walk in the light of the resurrection we must see that we are not here to represent ourselves or a church, but we are sent as ambassadors for the Lord.  The followers of Jesus had no confusion at all about the fact that they were there as people representing Jesus and His Kingdom and that He would be with them through each step.  They were called Christians because it was apparent to those around them that they were acting like ‘little Christ's".  Their proclamation of the good news would be accompanied not only with signs following but with the presence of Jesus.  For us today we can at times lose sight of this truth. Jesus is not only with some of His followers but with all of them, Encouraging, loving, guiding and saying to all of us be faithful.  There are so many times in my life that I have failed God in the sense of not being faithful to proclaim the Gospel as I should. Yet, His presence is still there prompting and instructing me to remember His love and grace not only for myself, but for others. In the Old Testament Moses says to the Lord, "if you don't go with us, we will not go." He is saying there what all of us feel, without God's presence we are helpless to fulfill His mission. But the great news is that He is here with us, He is the one who has promised to never leave us or forsake us.  Like the old song says, "All may fail but Jesus Never!" 

Jesus gives the disciples what is called the Great Commission in Matthew but then ends with the promise of His presence. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."  Matthew 28:20 NLT

 

Mark 16:20 says "The Lord worked with them and confirmed His word by the signs that accompanied it."  

Because our Lord is with us we have a confidence to live for Him and the assurance that we are not on our own.  As we share the Gospel, we are living witnesses of what the Lord has done and will do in our world through our lives.  God is with us there is nothing to fear.