Today's Scripture: “Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.” Matthew 28:16, ESV
Theme: The disciples went when he told them to GO. We should be a “Go” people.
UNDER AUTHORITY
In Matthew, chapter 8, there is the story of a Roman Centurion who came to Jesus, begging Him to heal his servant. Jesus is willing to go to his home. “But the centurion replied, ‘Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, “Go,” and he goes, and to another, “Come,” and he comes, and to my servant, “Do this,” and he does it’” (Matthew 8:8-9, ESV).
My dad is a retired Colonel in the US Air Force. My mother was commanding enough to have been a colonel, also, so I know what it is to be under authority. And that has served me well, under various teachers and bosses, but also as it relates to God! When my mother called my name, I was to come to her. No hollering back, “What?” No ignoring the call. I was to come and present myself to her and ask, “Yes ma’am?” Then, I was sent off to obey. No procrastination was allowed. I left immediately to accomplish whatever I was assigned.
HEARING AND DOING
First, we must hear God. We must be listening rather than “trying not to hear.” You know what I mean. Have you ever seen kids totally ignore their name being called? But if you whisper the word “candy,” they instantly turn your way? Spouses can do the same thing: tune out the unwanted conversation and pretend not to hear. God deserves our undivided attention.
Once we hear, we are to do. Don’t think about it or make excuses. Don’t put it off until tomorrow. “I’ll go next weekend.” “Maybe I’ll think about a Life Group in the fall.” “Let’s look at our budget, pay off a few bills, and then we can start tithing.” Nope. Once you know, you know. Now, follow through on the assignment.
Make It Personal: Are you hearing from God in some area of your life? Is there a gentle nudge or a strong sense of a next step? If you know, are you making excuses or delaying? Ask God for clear direction and the strength to obey, to come or to go as He directs.
Pray: Lord God, You are the Leader, the Boss, the Commander of my life. I want to be instantly, completely ready to go when You tell me to go. Whether you ask me to lay something down, pick up a new discipline, or tell my neighbor about Jesus, I want to be a “go” person! Help me, Spirit. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Read: Matthew 8:5-13; Joshua 6:5; Ezekiel 1:12; Acts 9:11-17