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Diversity in the Great Commission
In ending with the Great Commission, we return to where we began: the great vision in Revelation of every nation, tribe, people, and language praising God. How is this vision to come about? As the Church, Christ’s body, responds to Jesus’ call to make disciples of all nations.
In some ways, this must have seemed like a radical commission to the disciples, who believed that the Jews were God’s chosen people. But then again, in stories like that of the Samaritan woman, Jesus showed throughout His ministry that the message of salvation wasn’t limited to the Jews. Now, in some of His final words to His disciples, Jesus again makes this point clear: The Good News is for all nations.
At HOPE International, the Great Commission serves as one of the motivations behind our work. As we try to live out this calling, we believe Jesus wasn’t speaking to a select group of special Christians. Instead, all who call ourselves Christ-followers are called to make disciples—as a natural outflow of being a disciple. As Christians, we bear witness to the world around us of Christ’s work in us. Some are called to go far away to fulfill this call, but others are called to the equally important task of living it out in their home communities. Many of us don’t need to travel far to find a diverse group of people in need of the Gospel—instead, the nations are coming to us!
Sometimes, the enormity of the task can be overwhelming. Thankfully, the Great Commission contains the reassurance that we needn’t rely on our own power. Rather, Jesus gives this command in the context of His authority over all heaven and earth (verse 18). We serve a risen Lord who has all power and authority, and He calls us to go. How else can we respond but in the words of Isaiah? “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8)
Reflection: How am I responding to the Great Commission in my own life? How has God wired, equipped, and placed me to make disciples of all nations, regardless of where I feel most comfortable?
Thank you for completing this plan! For more devotionals by HOPE International, visit www.hopeinternational.org/youversion.
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About this Plan
In today’s world, the topic of diversity is messy, difficult, and often divisive. In this five-day study, we explore what the Bible says about the subject, from celebrating our diversity of talents to the grand vision of every tribe, tongue, and nation joining together to worship God. Written by the staff of HOPE International, a Christ-centered nonprofit, this study draws on their experience working across multiple countries and cultures.
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We would like to thank Hope International for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: http://www.hopeinternational.org/youversion
