JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Wisdom from the Red Letters is found in Matthew 28, verses 18 to 20.
Just before ascending to heaven, Jesus said to His disciples, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
This is known as the “Great Commission.” Jesus promises to be with us as we go in His name to produce more devoted followers of Jesus. Notice, the focus of this Commission is not just conversion. God does want us to give people the opportunity to come to faith in Christ. But that is not where it stops. Jesus also told His disciples to teach them to obey His words. That is the process of discipleship, which helps people to grow in their faith as they follow Jesus.
The words of Jesus inspire us to be part of the Great Commission in the Year of Redemption.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Connection, today’s Encounter with Jesus examines His encouragement to a disciple overwhelmed by His holiness.
It happened in Luke 5. Simon was fishing all night long, but did not catch anything. At Jesus’ instruction, he let down the nets in deeper water, and caught a boatload of fish. It’s a remarkable event that shows the futility of our efforts without Christ, and the effectiveness of our efforts with the help of Christ.
When Simon saw what happened, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man.” But Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.” So Simon and his friends pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed Jesus.
We may relate to Simon’s internal struggle. In the presence of Jesus and His holiness, we may feel unworthy to be called one of His followers. However, that is the kind of person that Jesus is ready to bless with a productive purpose in the Kingdom of God. He will not shame us when we recognize our sinfulness. Instead, He will lift us out of our shame by inviting us to follow Him. He will replace our fears of punishment with faith in His unfailing love.
A daily connection with Christ gives our life meaningful purpose as we follow Jesus.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
