Therefore go and make disciples of all nations . . . . Matthew 28:19a (NIV)
There once was a very poor family. They could not afford gifts for the children, but one day the parents decided to buy a bicycle for their older son. It was a valuable gift, and the boy took excellent care of it. His younger sister also wanted to use it, so the boy taught her the proper way to get seated, how to pedal safely, and the best way to steer without running into anything. This was all quite a challenge for the boy, and the girl was excited to share this wonderful gift; she cared for it as if it were her own.
As Christians, we have been given the greatest gift imaginable - - the love of God our Father and the forgiveness of our sins through the death of His Son, Jesus Christ.
We, also, have two great challenges in our lives. First, we are to feed our faith by reading and studying the Word of God. Second, we are to share this same Word with those who have not yet heard the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Jesus tells us in Matthew 28:19a, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations . . . ."
The boy in our story shared his wonderful gift with his sister so that she could enjoy it also. Sad to say, we often do not act like this but instead keep the gift of God's grace to ourselves. Let us not miss the opportunity to share God's wonderful gift with others.
The mandate of Jesus in Matthew 28:19 is clear about the importance of our work and the mission of the Church. Let us share this gift with those around us. If we do that, others will get the chance to know Jesus Christ, enjoy the grace and love of God, and come to eternal life in Him.
THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help us to fulfill the mission You have for us to do. Send Your Holy Spirit to sustain us in our work as we share Your love with others. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
Biography of Author:
Gladys Hamann works with children and teens, instructing them in the Christian faith while working as a volunteer for Lutheran Hour Ministries' outreach efforts in Paraguay.
To learn more about our International Ministries, click here or visit www.lhmint.org.
Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 93-95 Philippians 4
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