Doing a job with helpers has always been easier than doing it alone. Perhaps one important benefit of being a Christian is that we are never alone. Jesus himself promised that He would be with us always (Matthew 28:20).
Before giving us that promise, however, Jesus gave us a commission, which was a divine order to do specific functions, with power from God. It is the central duty for followers of Jesus even today. “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (v19)
After accepting Jesus as my Savior and Master, I joined His army and received my commission. I was to go, make disciples, mark them by baptism, and mature them by teaching them to obey God’s rules. Each of us in God’s army is a missionary with our own mission field. Sometimes we forget that at the end of that commission, Jesus reassuringly adds His promise of being our co-worker.
For years after becoming a child of God, I refused to accept that commission. With excuses like Moses, I argued that I was too shy, Bible-illiterate, afraid, and too poor. It took many years of prayer and study, but when I finally confessed this to Jesus, I felt as though He hugged me and said, “Of course you can’t do it alone! That’s why I promised to go with you!”
The power from the Holy Spirit that helps me know what to say, remember what I have studied, and face one person or an audience without collapsing, has been miraculous for me. I still get nervous and my knees shake, but I believe God still does miracles, and I may be one!
As an older soldier of Christ now, I still have to don my armor every morning as I go out to fight the Enemy. After spending time in the Word and talking to the Lord, I may post a note or scripture on Facebook if I felt inspired by a devotional I read or the Scriptures moved me. As I leave home, I want to make a difference for others, so I ask God, “What do You want me to do today?” and I try to pay attention to thoughts, interruptions, or nudges during the day.
In my mission field, which includes my home, my workplace (the church classroom, sewing room, or library), my entertainment arenas, and my worship area, I meet people every day. Some are hurting and crying for help while others are smiling and boosting my spirits. Just walking past them does not inspire or guide them to a relationship with a Savior, however.
Not many people are won to Jesus by accident. It happens when we are on a mission, zeroing in on one person to work with. So, as the apostle Paul zeroed in on Timothy to train him, I must begin with the first part of the commission. I must go to a person and plan, with God’s help, to make a disciple of Jesus. I plant the seed, pray, and let God work.
This may involve a long period. To be a disciple, one must follow the teachings of the leader, who in this commission is Jesus. I do not want to make disciples of anyone else! Before I rush into baptizing my “Timothy,” I must be confident that he understands the cost involved, shows an attitude of willing to change if necessary, and learns as he walks in faith.
Second, to mark disciples by baptism is having them declare their allegiance to Jesus! The disciple must confess the six most important words he will ever have to say: “Jesus is the Son of God.” Therein lies the key to his status. If he really believes and is willing to confess before men that Jesus is God’s Son, then he accepts the divinity, virgin birth, and resurrection of Jesus.
Baptism by immersion after a vocal confession before others is the first step in obedience. Like playing “Follow the Leader,” he cannot stop with the first step or the second. Each day brings another step, following the directions of Jesus. This is where I begin the third part of the Commission, to mature the new disciple. I teach, admonish, correct, and lovingly corral that new child of God into a close relationship with his Heavenly Father.
Too often we leave that step to the Sunday school teacher and a twenty-minute sermon each week, but that is never enough. To truly follow the commission of Jesus, I must follow-up on my “Timothy” and continue to teach him and check on his progress. While doing that, I may zero in on another “Timothy” and begin the process of disciplining another, but keep in touch.
Shaky at first after accepting my commission, I came to realize that Jesus would never leave me nor let me down. That assurance has helped me grow in my own discipleship as well, and my own learning to obey. I still ask for His help each day to keep me pressing on.
The thrill of seeing my “Timothy “walk the aisle and publicly confess Jesus as Son of God reached beyond all other happiness or joy! Another who was lost has been found. It certainly was worth whatever sacrifices I might have endured. Jesus has kept His promise to be my co-missionary as I follow His commission.
I believe there is no greater joy than having a part in bringing someone to Jesus.
May God help us all heed the commission!
-Joyce Broyles lives in Jennings, LA and attends Christ’s Church of Jennings