Simply Go
As a follower of Jesus, I want to know what he said to do and do it. But when you read what he said to do, it is sometimes overwhelming: Mat 28:19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations,...” and Mar 16:15 And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. …” This is not a simple task to accomplish. In my mind, it brings up images from “Pinky and the Brain” cartoon and I hear the words: “The same thing we do every night, Pinky - try to take over the world!” I know these words are Jesus' whole vision for the global movement of all believers. But how can this be applied to the local church and in my life? The local church community has a critical local purpose and mission to accomplish:
1) Go and compel others to Father God's love
2) Appeal others to become follower of Jesus
3) Allow the Holy Spirit within believers to be expressed to others
Even this is a very huge mission for any local community of believers to fulfill! To start, I need to understand the first word of the first point: GO. That brings up thoughts of going downtown to the homeless on the street or knocking on front doors handing out pamphlets. Although I might do these things, there is a simpler go I believe I am called to do. The word go could be translated “as I am going along”. In other words, in the normal course of my day, God is going to provide me with opportunities to met people who need me to demonstrate his love, hear the good news of Kingdom of God and Jesus and encouragement to follow Jesus. As I am going along my day, I need open my eyes to these opportunities and simply do what I know Jesus wants me to do.
When I go along the way of walking my dog, Scout, around the neighborhood, meeting and talking with everyone. When my co workers mention sickness, family issues, or work problems, I ask them if I can pray for them. When I am shopping, look for opportunities to talking with the person behind the counter or stocking shelves.
As I simply go along the normal course of my day and taking advantage of the opportunities God provides, I know what I am doing is part of Jesus' vision for the global movement of His followers and the mission of the local community of believers.