What is the mission?

The Great Commission is an invitation to participate in the download of heaven’s kingdom to the earth realm. It is so amazing to be invited to the greatest mission of all time.

Do you know what the mission is? Most Christians in North America have lost sight of the mission, so please don’t feel guilty. I’d love to describe the mission to you so you can join in and invite others to participate as well. Jesus commanded, “‘Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,’” (Matthew 28:19, NIV).

1. It starts with the word “therefore.” It’s important to understand that the mission is built on the verse before “therefore,” Matthew 28:18: “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on Earth has been given to me.’” (Matthew 28:18, NIV) Jesus has all authority! Therefore…
2. The second important word is “go.” Think about that, meditate on it, and philosophize about it. Jesus is saying, “I have all authority in Heaven and Earth; therefore it’s time to GO.” The Great Commission is an active mission.
3. The third set of words tells us where we should go: “into all the world.”

I believe human nature compels most of us to strive for comfort and stability. The Great Commission is destabilizing. It invites me to do things that are hard, uncomfortable, and countercultural.

God is inviting you to participate in the Great Commission. He thinks you are crucial for the success of this mission. The great missionary Jim Elliot once journaled these words before he was violently murdered by the ones he was trying to reach: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain that which he cannot lose.”

Most of us will not be martyred when we participate in this mission, but we will surely need to give, sacrifice, forgive, pray, love, and lead people. We will start companies that serve our communities; we will help addicts and single moms. We’ll visit the elderly and feed the poor. We’ll build strong families and friendships. We’ll be the light of the world and partner with God in the Great Commission.

That’s why you’re a miracle.

Your friend, Paul Marc Goulet

P.S. The texts of this reading come from the daily email A Miracle Every Day. If you want to receive an email every day, I invite you to subscribe to A Miracle Every Day. By subscribing, you will receive an E-book!