Psalms 94-96

Romans 15:14-33

“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’”     — Mark 16:15

The final commission Jesus gave His disciples before His ascension is recorded in all four Gospels. It is for the church of Jesus Christ to preach the whole Gospel to the whole world and to make disciples of all nations. Acts 2 records the birth of the church under that mandate—a mandate that is still the same today and will remain intact until Christ returns.

        Every Christian is a member of the body of Christ, and together with Christ as the Head, comprises His church. A church that does not evangelize is actually a contradiction in terms. It would be like a fire that does not burn or an ocean without water. We may call ourselves a church, but if we are not doing the job for which we exist, we are merely a religious club and not a biblical church.

        John, exiled to the Isle of Patmos, was given instructions and many visions from Christ, one of which he writes: “…I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: ‘Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb’” (Revelation 7:9-10).

        This is a marvelous picture of men, women, boys and girls—from every nation, every tribe, every people and every language—paying homage to the One who has given us life. Jesus Christ came to earth, died on a cross and was raised from the dead so that those who believe in Him may live with Him. After the command to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation, we could write across Revelation 7, “Mission Accomplished”.

        Before ascending to heaven, Jesus placed the baton in the hands of His disciples. It has been passed down from generation to generation and spreading in ever-increasing circles around the globe. The baton is now in our hands. As the church of Jesus Christ, we have no other agenda but His, and He is the power to accomplish it. Everyone needs saving. Everyone needs to hear the Gospel and, as Christians, we are the vessels through which God works. His sole strategy in this world has always been to work through His people. God does not have a Plan B, and what He requires of us is not our ability, but our availability.

PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, I not only want to be among those paying glorious tribute to You at the end of this age, but I ask that You use me to help bring many more souls into union with You. Thank You, Lord.