THE VERSE
Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."~Matthew 28:18-20
THE THOUGHT
"Baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Have you ever noticed that while there are three names mentioned, it is only one Name that we are told to baptize in? God has revealed Himself here in three Persons- Father, Son, and Spirit- and one God, with one Name.The Trinitarian implications for missions are staggering. The Father is the Author of missions, having launched this grand eternal plan to bring His Son glory by the manifestation of His mercy among the nations. The Son paid the full ransom for the lost sheep scattered throughout the world and is now exercising His authority in sending missionaries and glorifying His Father. And the Spirit is the empowering agent of missions; He is the One who gives the sacrificial faith that forsakes all to follow the call, and He is now calling people from every tribe and nation and language to repentance and faith in Christ.
The most amazing thing, however, is that the almighty Triune God has stooped to include us in His plan to bring glory to Himself. Here in Matthew 28, we have God the Son opening the doors for us to be co-laborers with Him for His glory. Will you answer His call?
THE PRAYER
Triune God, Your glory will fill the world as waters fill the sea, and I am humbled that You have invited and commanded me to join You in that cosmic endeavor. Show me where to go, what to say, and give me faith to obey.EXTENDED READING
John 16:7-15Romans 15:8-9
1 Corinthians 3:6-9
THE QUOTE
“There can be no small sins against a great God.” ~J.I. Packer
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