And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All power is given to me in heaven and in earth. Go you therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatever I have commanded you: and, see, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. Amen. (Matt 28:18-20)
Jesus spoke to his disciples and gave them instructions before his ascension. These three verses are the key to what it is we are supposed to be doing while we wait! Please note that it doesn't say we are to spend our time playing video games, or clubbing, or glued to the front of a television set. Those things should be for our "entertainment on occasion", not our way of life! It seems that many of us do the reverse. We spend more time watching television, playing our games, going to clubs and movies, shopping for things we don't need, and other assorted things then we spend with the Lord.
"Teach all nations"...we have the opportunity to share the Gospel with many different nationalities and faiths right here in the United States. This country is a melting pot of races and religions. We condemn the teachings of some because they do not believe that the Bible is the Word of God. But what are we doing to enlighten them. What are we afraid of?
My religion reflects my beliefs, it is not the foundation they are based on. My beliefs are based on what is written in the Bible (and not just certain parts of it - ALL of it). There is no one else and there is nothing else - no rule book, no code of conduct, no additional appendices - everything I need to know is there! Too often my adoration the Holy Trinity was overshadowed by "dos and don'ts" created by mortals.
"Baptizing them"...as John did! It comes when we can fully accept and understand what we are committing to. No one can accept Jesus as my Savior on my behalf no more than they could take my place in hell (if that's where I was going). It's a decision of choice and the conviction of our souls that brings us to the waters of baptism. Being baptized does not guarantee reserved seating in heaven. It symbolizes the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus and our desire to be "born again". It is a commitment we make in the knowledge of the salvation it represents!
"Observe all things"...all the teachings of Jesus, all the commands and the life style he's laid before us. Remember, Satan wants us all. He can and will use any device necessary to lure us away from what Christ asks of us. Whether we like them or not, that is what we are commanded to do.
"I am with you always"...Nothing we do or don't do goes unnoticed. Nothing we face is faced alone. Every breath, ever step, every tear, every outburst of laughter - Jesus is right there with us! The word is "always" - not "sometimes", not "when you remember to call on me" - he is ALWAYS with us - "even to the end of the world."
So get up off your seat and open the book! When you've successfully opened the book, open your heart. Allow the Holy Spirit to do the work in you that he needs to do to prepare you for what lies ahead! It's not guaranteed to be easy (if something is worth having, it's worth working for)...it's guaranteed to be worth it! Give him the glory he deserves from you. Sing him the praises of your heart and soul! Honor him by honoring his commands! Respect his word by respecting yourself! Allow the living God to live in you!
