While I was enjoying breakfast with Stan one morning, he mentioned that in his journaling time earlier that day, he had been focusing on the story of Jesus’ friend Lazarus and how it relates to the great commission.
“Lazarus and the great commission?” I responded. “How does Lazarus being raised from the dead have anything to do with the great commission?”
“Oh,” Stan replied, “it’s not Lazarus’ resurrection that relates to the great commission, it’s what happened before then.”
“What’s that?”
“Before Jesus even got to where Lazarus was buried,” Stan said, “one of his sisters, I think it was Martha, came out to meet Jesus as He approached. It was their conversation and what Martha did as a result that seems to me reflects what we’re to do with the great commission.”
“Their conversation and what Martha did?”
“Yeah,” Stan said. “After they had talked and Martha acknowledged she believed Jesus was the Christ, she went and told her sister Mary that Jesus was there and calling for her. What Mary did is what we hope will happen with our great commission involvement.”
“What’d she do?”
“It says she got up quickly and came to Jesus.”
“She got up quickly and came to Jesus,” I repeated. “I think you’re right; that is the desired result of the great commission!”
“Yeah,” Stan agreed, “we’re to tell others so they can come to Him!”
____________________________________
Bible verses to consider:
She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I have believed that You are the Christ, the son of God, even He who comes into the world.” And when she had said this, she went away, and called Mary her sister, saying secretly, “The teacher is here, and calling for you.” And when she heard it, she arose quickly, and was coming to Him. John 11:27-29.
Whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved. How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard? Romans 10:13-14.
And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Mark 16:15.
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, . . . . Mathew 28:19-20.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for giving Jesus and His finished work on the cross as the way to life eternally with you, the life that begins here and will continue forever. Even though I know I will spend eternity in your presence, I confess that too often while I remain on this side of eternity I don’t tell anyone about Jesus so they can come to Him for the life you’ve provided through Him. Please forgive that foolishness. Help me follow every step of your lead in going and telling others. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Think on this: Have you come to Jesus for what He accomplished by His finished work on the cross? If no, why do you choose to remain separated from God both now and forever? If you are a Christian with the assurance of salvation and redemption, how are you doing with going and telling others about Jesus so they, too, can come to Him? If you sense the desire for change with any of this, how is that change going to happen? Is that what you truly want? Why or why not?
The need: Since God knows what we need before we ask Him (Matthew 6:8), what does He know you need to not only come to Jesus yourself, but how you are to tell others so they can come to Jesus? Spend time studying God’s Word, praying, reflecting, and journaling to see what God knows you need. He will show you!
Forward: Do you know others who would or could benefit from this devotional? If so, why not forward it and open them to be part of the conversation between Stan and S. Tory Teller?