Matthew 28: 11-20

When I work out at the YMCA I watch an early morning news program on TV while I am on the treadmill. Today one of their reporters had an interesting observation. Generally, he is pretty upbeat and insightful in his reporting and analysis. Today he seem more somber, almost depressed. When asked if he thought the economic conditions in the country would soon change he responded that he thought the world was in “an irreconcilable mess.” The continuing stalemate in Congress only made him feel worse.

The scriptures teach us that “Hope deferred makes the heart sick.” (Proverbs 13:12) Certainly the situation in the world can make a person feel hopeless. But God has made it possible for us to be a people of hope. “Our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people.” (1 Timothy 4:10); “And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” (Romans 5:5)

I believe Jesus is the hope of the nations. “But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?” (Romans 10:14)

Therein is the great paradox of the world. God has given the followers of Jesus hope, but too many of the ones who have received Jesus choose to keep him to themselves. Too many read today’s text and somehow reach the conclusion that Jesus is not speaking to them. He must be speaking to others. Certainly, they think, He cannot expect that ALL of those who call on Him for salvation would obey His command.

When we accept His command and embrace His life as our life and accept our responsibility within the church we become a part of God’s solution for the problems of the world.

When we ignore the command of Jesus we become part of the problem.

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

What does today’s reading

reveal to you about God?

What does it reveal to you about yourself?

Think about what God wants you to do

or remember about this passage.

Does God want you to change

anything in your life?

27-Sep-11     1 Peter 1:- 3:7