November 07, 2011

A Missionary People

Matthew 28:16-20

“Go and make disciples of all nations …”
Matthew 28:19

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We have a young friend who has wise parents. They help him think about his teenage behaviors. Whenever he would leave the house to go somewhere, his parents would always look him in the eye and say, “Remember who you are.”

That’s good advice. We sometimes need to be reminded of who we are. More important, we need to remember “whose” we are. To whom do you belong?

Jesus invites us to the greatest adventure ever: “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you” (John 20:21). Christ-followers remember their true identity—they are a “sent” people—a missionary people. Making disciples means everything to Jesus. What a privilege to be included in his mission of love! Being “sent” is the main mission of the church, the body of Christ. The church is sent into the world on Christ’s mission.

Think about where you are in life. You are not there by chance. You regularly encounter people in your routine activities. You are there because God has a purpose for your life. He wants you to spread the good news of the gospel right where you are.

However, we cannot give what we do not have. To make disciples, we must continually reconnect with the living Christ and walk with him. Are you ready to embrace the adventure to which you are called?

Lord, we hear your invitation to mission. Give us the will and courage to follow wherever you lead. Help us see the people you want us to share your love with today. Amen.

About the author — Allen & Lynn Likkel

Revs. Allen and Lynn Likkel have worked in communities across North America for many years—planting churches, nurturing them along, and developing new church leaders. A minister in the Christian Reformed Church, Allen served with Christian Reformed Home Missions for nearly 40 years, and Lynn, also ordained as a minister of the Word, has served to build leaders and new congregations. In November 2010, Allen entered retirement, and the Likkels moved to Washington, their native state. They have four adult children.

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