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 – Today’s Eye on Integrity is based on Second Timothy 2:24 to 26.
How is the Lord’s servant supposed to respond to voices of opposition? This is a good Scripture to study for wisdom.
“The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.”
When God’s people are faced with opposition to our faith, there might be a temptation to enter into an argument over differences. But Paul reminds Timothy here that there is something more important than winning an argument. It is more important to win souls, and it is hard to win souls if we burn bridges with anger, heated arguments, or a spirit of resentment toward the very people we are trying to reach for the Gospel.
Walking with gentle instruction and kindness are virtues to embrace for our lives in the Year of Integrity.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Promise of Hope is based on Matthew 5:9.
Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
When we serve as a peacemaker, we are reflecting the mission of Jesus, who came as a Mediator between God and mankind.
There are various forms of peacemaking that are valuable, such as conflict resolution, or being an influence to bring peace between nations. But the ultimate peacemaking mission is evangelism, where we serve as ambassadors for Christ, imploring people in this world to be reconciled to God. This is what Jesus calls His followers to do until the end of the age.
Being identified as a child of God is a promise of hope for those who follow Jesus in the Year of Trust.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
