A Great Commission Hope

Matthew 28:16-20 (NASB) 2020 edition

16 But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated.
17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful.
18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,
20 teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

REFLECTION

Advent is the season of hope, as we have been remembering day by day. And it is a hope that will not disappoint us — the hope of glory. God has called us to himself in the first coming of his Son, and we who love him stand on tiptoe with expectation of his glorious second coming. But we do not wait as passive spectators, instead we wait while at the same time striving for the coming kingdom.

Our risen Lord has given us his Final Command. We are to be “making” disciples until he comes again. We are called to serve now, while laboring in hope. He has told us to pray for more laborers to be raised up to go into the harvest. He has commanded us to disciple them.

The blessed hope of our redemption will not be consummated until all the elect are gathered in. There is work for us to do, even in Advent.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, we thank You for the hope we have in Your first coming, and for the hope that we will one day see Your glorious return. Help us to be faithful as active laborers in Your harvest. Strengthen us to make disciples and raise up workers for Your kingdom. May our lives reflect the hope of Your coming and draw others to You. Amen.

Written by the Rev. Canon dr. Jon C. Shuler, Servant General Emeritus and Prior, NAMS Georgetown.