Obedience to Christ's Commandments

Obedience to Christ's Commandments

“Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all nations, and baptise them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:19).

Bible Reading of the Year: 2 Chronicles 35-36

In the first century, the early church lived in the midst of a great threat from the Roman Empire. One of the famous stories is the courage of the disciples after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem. Peter, who had previously denied Jesus, was transformed into a courageous preacher of the gospel. In the Acts of the Apostles, it is recorded that even though they were threatened, imprisoned, and even persecuted, the apostles continued to preach Christ to various regions.

Church history records that the gospel eventually spread from Jerusalem to Asia Minor, Greece, and even Rome. Why did they remain faithful? Because they understood that the Great Commission was not just a suggestion, but a direct command from the risen Christ.

Matthew 28:19 shows the essence of a believer's calling: to go, to make disciples, and to baptise. The word "go" indicates active action. Christianity is not a passive faith or just stopping at the church pew every Sunday. Christ calls His people to be witnesses wherever they may be.

John Stott once asserted that the non-evangelical church is, in fact, denying its own identity as the body of Christ. The gospel is not meant to be stored like a secret file in the folder of our spiritual laptops. The gospel must be shared.

Obedience to Christ often requires courage. Not everyone is comfortable talking about faith in an increasingly secular world. Yet Christ's commands remain relevant. The world needs the light of the gospel, and God uses believers as His tools. Interestingly, Jesus did not command the disciples to leave on their own. In the next verse, Christ gives the promise of His inclusion until the end of time. So, the Great Mandate comes in a package with the presence of God. Literally divine backup.

There are three practical applications that we can do, namely:

First, begin by witnessing from the immediate environment. Tell your family, friends, or co-workers about your love through words and attitudes that reflect Jesus' character.

Second, live as an exemplary disciple. Being a witness is not only about speaking, but also about integrity, love, forgiveness, and living differently from the world.

Third, support evangelistic and mission ministry. Not everyone is called to go to another nation, but all believers can be involved through prayer, financial support, and active service in the church.

Obedience to Christ may not always be easy, but it is always of eternal value. The world can change, technology can evolve, generations can change, but the Great Commission remains a heavenly mandate for God's church today.

Prayer:

The loving Lord God, teach us to obey Your commands. Give us the courage to be Your witnesses wherever we are. Help us to live our lives to glorify Your name and bring others to know Your love. Use our lives as tools for Your work in this world. In the name of the Lord Jesus, we pray. Amen.

 

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