One HeartSample

ONE HEART FOR DISCIPLESHIP

Here is a question that warrants some deep pondering: “How is it that a homeless peasant born in a seemingly insignificant area of the Middle East, owning no property, ruling no empires, heading up no political efforts, making no scientific discoveries, and leading no army was able to exert greater influence over the human race than anyone else that has ever lived?” The person in question is Jesus of Nazareth, and the answer to the question is profoundly simple. Jesus poured His heart and soul into a handful of followers called disciples, over a period of three years – loving them, teaching them, investing in them, and leading them toward God – and then commissioned them to go and do likewise through the power of his Spirit. 

Matthew 28:16–20 (CSB) "The eleven disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them.   When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted.  Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.  Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you.  And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” 

The result of this great commission? The greatest force for good our world has ever seen! No other movement in history has established more hospitals, built more schools, adopted more orphans, cared for more destitute people, fought for more rights and freedoms, and sacrificed more for the common good. The Kingdom of God is established one person at a time, one relationship at a time, one coffee date at a time, one conversation at a time. In hearing Jesus’ call and commission afresh just imagine what God can do through your life if you simply said, “Yes!”

Reflect

• What person has had the biggest influence on your faith and how did they accomplish this?
• Who are some of the people in your 'sphere of influence' that God might be calling you to invest your life and faith in?

Prayer

• Pray that God would quicken our hearts to see the mission field that exists in our very own homes, offices, streets, and friendships.
• Pray that God would grant you an opportunity for a life-giving conversation with someone that has yet to meet Jesus.