From The Great Commission to The Great Commandment in Action

We have all heard about the Great Commission. It is found in Matthew 28:18 ff and consists of the last words of Jesus to His followers.

18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 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."

This charge has been taken seriously by many believers for hundreds of years. It has resulted in millions hearing and responding to the good news.

However, about a year ago I discovered that Jesus also gave His disciples a simple strategy to follow to accomplish the goal of making disciples of all ethnic groups. That strategy is found in Luke 9 and 10. In Luke 9 Jesus sent the 12 out with His authority and power. In Luke 10 He called together 72 followers and gave them very direct and strategic directions for influencing the people around them.

Yesterday I mentioned that the harvest is ready and fully developed and all that is needed are more harvesters. Today we continue that story.

3 Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. 4 Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.

Get going and behave like lambs among wolves. WOW! What a commandment! Was Jesus confused? Did He not know that wolves are the sworn, card carrying adversaries of lambs?

Had He forgotten that lambs are the favorite meat for all wolves? A lamb is clueless and helpless in the face of ravenous wolves. At least allow us to act like big horn sheep so we can fight back.

Today we face wolves in government. There are judges, legislators, political activists and immoral fanatics who would like to make America into Sodom and some who would turn it over to Saddam. How can we combat those wolves?

Boycotts?
Political action committees?
Preaching against these people?

What would a lamb do? (Read on if you dare!)