A Holy Purpose

 Then Jesus came to them and 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

I started a new bible study yesterday called, “The Great Disappearance,” by Dr. David Jeremiah. It’s about preparing for the imminent return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The first video session gave me so much joy and peace. In this chaotic world we live in those two things are often hard to find, but in Christ they are abundant.

There were a few comments in the video that caught my attention. One was the question of why does the Lord tarry. We want everything right now. I have said many times, “Come, Lord Jesus,” because I’m weary of the trials of this world. The answer to the question was of course that the Lord desires that none should perish. His patience is an act of love for those who have still not made the decision to follow Him.

Dr. Jeremiah made a simple comment, “What if the Lord had returned 30 years ago? Would that have made a difference in your life? Absolutely! I would have been forever lost. I was not a believer then and neither was my family. So I shouted, a loud and grateful, “Thank you Lord for your patience!”

The study went on to say that as believers we have the Lord’s joyful return to look forward to and the promise of spending eternity with Him. But in the waiting, we also have a Holy Purpose. That purpose is the Great Commission, which is today’s passage. We are to tell as many people as possible about our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Our desire should match His, in not wanting anyone to perish.

Easter is just a few days away and people tend to be a bit more open to hearing the resurrection message at this time of year. My prayer is that many will come to know the Lord and experience salvation. It’s also for the many pastors and teachers who will be sharing that message with all their hearts. We can join in by inviting everyone we know to church, Good Friday services, and anything else that would put them in a place where they have the opportunity to hear the salvation message and to choose Christ.

Oh, Lord, give them ears to hear what You are saying and hearts to receive the love, grace, and forgiveness that You offer. Let there be a great revival in the hearts of those who have walked away and let the redeemed of the Lord shout Your praises!