The Great Commission
Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” Matthew 28:18
The effectiveness of any ambassador is tied to the authority of the person sending that ambassador. If the authority figure is unknown, or suspect, the ambassador’s mission will likely fail. If, on the other hand, that person is well known and his authority clearly established, the ambassador’s mission will likely succeed.
The Bible identifies every believer in Jesus as one of His ambassadors! (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:20) Jesus has commissioned us to share His gospel with our fallen world. We live in a world in which every person is sinful by nature. The Bible clearly states: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) We also live in a world filled with sinners who, fortunately, are loved by God—every one of them! The Bible also clearly states: “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.” (2 Corinthians 5:19) We, as believers in Jesus, are privileged to share His message of love with everyone, all of whom desperately need to hear of that love!
That is awesome work! It is exhilarating because the message we are to bring is powerful, life-changing, and comforting! However, that work can also be frightening. It is frightening because the enemies of our Savior are many. The apostle Paul warns us: “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12) We can, however, carry out this great commission with confidence, because as we share the gospel, we do so with Christ’s authority backing us! What is impossible for us to do on our own, our Savior enables us to do with His power! So let us get on with it, knowing that our mission will succeed!
Dear Lord Jesus, You have called upon us to be Your ambassadors in this world. Help us to share Your truths faithfully for the blessing of many souls. Amen.