By Cindy Allen
As I ponder the theme of “Go and Tell,” my chest tightens. I tend to be more of a “Come, and I will tell you” kind of person. Come to Sunday School; I teach that. Come to Ladies Bible Study; I can lead a session. Come to Kids Bible Club; I’ll be there too. But does Go and Tell… really mean me?
Having read other blogs, I feel this phrase resonates with others as well. Indeed, it is for all of us. Jackie Ricks pointed out in her blog on May 12 (see May 21 issue) that the Great Commission isn’t just for pastors, deacons or missionaries; it is for all Christians, and guess what? I am one of them.
One reason the Great Commission causes me to shudder is that I feel like I am the one doing it. I have to step out of my comfort zone. I have to face my friend or family member. I might be rejected or ridiculed. I might be asked a hard question.
However, if we read the Great Commission at the end of Matthew, we see something amazing. It is bookended with Jesus. In 28:18 (HCSB), Jesus says “all authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.” Matthew 28 ends with Jesus saying, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” In the middle of these two verses, he tells us to “go … and make disciples…” I do need to go and tell, but Jesus is with me every step of the way. It is by His power that I can talk to someone, mentioning His faithfulness and salvation.
If you read Acts, you will see the power of Jesus and the Holy Spirit on display. After receiving the Holy Spirit, Peter preached a sermon, and 3,000 were saved. Peter, remember him? Peter, who often opened his mouth when he should have just listened. Peter, who said he would die for Jesus, then denied him when the going got tough. Peter, who cut off a man’s ear. That Peter harnessed the power of our Jesus and spoke before a huge crowd, and Jesus’ power caused lives to be changed. When we feel fear, we need to harness the power of Jesus. It is readily available.
Just how do we harness this power? Keep reading in Acts, and you will find out. Acts 2 ends with a description of the early church. Here are some key phrases I have underlined in my Bible:
• “They devoted themselves to teaching”
• “Everyone was filled with awe over what the apostles did”
• “Every day they devoted themselves to meeting in the temple”
• “They had joyful and sincere hearts”
• “They praised God”
Acts 2 ends with these words, “Every day the Lord added to their number, those who were being saved.”
That is what our world, our community, our neighborhood and our families need. They need to be saved, to be added to our number. And that requires us to be busy about God’s work, just like the early church was. These people tapped into the power source and changed the world.
If you listen to contemporary Christian music, you have probably heard Jeremy Camp sing “The Same Power”. If you have not, you should find it and give it a listen. “The same power that rose Jesus from the grave lives in us.” It is readily available; we just have to harness it.
• Prayer — Dear Lord, thank you for saving my soul. Not only did you rescue me from Hell, but you also pour wisdom, encouragement and peace into my life daily. Lord, help me be bold and share my story with others. As you place people in my path, guide me to share my story, and may you add precious souls to your kingdom through it.
• Scripture — Acts 2; Acts 4
• Response — Go and Tell in Jesus’ power
— These articles are shared via the National WMA web page blog that can be accessed at nationalwma.org/blog.
