How can you make disciples unless you are a disciple yourself?

Are you?

When the disciples returned from their first mission, they were filled with joy because even the demons were subject to them (see Luke 10:17-20).

Jesus reminded them that they should not rejoice in successful service, but that the great secret of joy is that they should have the right relationship with Him.

Then, Jesus took great joy (for the Holy Spirit was upon Him) in praising His Father, Lord of heaven and earth.

The missionary's great essential, is remaining true to the call of God and realizing that his one and only purpose is to disciple men and women to Jesus.

As a disciple, a missionary, the greatest challenge that I face is not that it is difficult to bring people to salvation, or that those who have turned their eyes from God are difficult to reclaim; rather, the challenge for me, is my very own personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Our Lord Jesus regularly and unwaveringly asks, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" (Matthew 9:28). Jesus confronts me in every encounter that we have: Do I know my risen Lord? Do I know the power of His indwelling spirit? Am I wise enough in God's sight, but foolish enough according to the wisdom of the world, to trust in what Jesus Christ has said?

Jesus did not say, "Go and save souls", for the salvation of souls is the supernatural work of God.

There is a great, supernatural position of limitless confidence in Christ Jesus which we can accept and live, or we can abandon.

God calls us only to accept this fact, and that any other choice would depart from that which Jesus, Himself, said:

"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28: 18-20)

Let us be absolutely joyful in this empowerment and assurance from Him Who came to earth to be "God with us" (Matthew 1:23).

~ Gord Evans
Pefferlaw, Ontario, Canada