If you ever find yourself asking the question what legacy will my life leave, then you are at the right place. If you ever wondered if all the volunteer hours and time and effort that you give to others, to organizations to your duty as a disciple of Jesus Christ, then you are at the right place. If you ever wondered if you are leading instead of following your wife, your family, your kids, work and or community then you are at the right place. If, however, you think you can skate by because you have received the ultimate lottery ticket (called salvation) and can be comfortable being a pew sitter instead of a heavy hitter in God's kingdom, then you are clearly in the wrong place.
For those of you that are intrigued and have kept on reading, thank you. Thank you for being willing to take the steps to leave a biblical legacy in God's Kingdom. To be a disciple is simply defined as someone who is teachable and trainable and obedient to God's word. This disciple not only hears the words but does what they say. The disciple meditates on God's word daily. That being said, we read the following charge (challenge from our Lord Jesus Christ) found in Mathew 28:
The Great Commission
16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 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, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Jesus is telling his Disciples (that includes us: The ones who profess his name as Lord and Savior) to Go and Make.
- Go to the widows and orphans (role of deacons in the church and lay persons to help volunteer and serve)
- Go to the lost and share the good news
- Go to the divorced moms and be an extended family
- Go to the weak-minded and mentally ill and help them
- Go to the ends of the earth and make disciples of Jesus Christ
Jesus is telling his disciples to make other disciples:
- Make other disciples through walking with them in accountability
- Make other disciples by providing teaching and training (Men & Women's Bible Studies)
- Make other disciples by them hearing preaching and teaching from the Pastors and Elders on being the true body of Christ
- Make other disciples by being intentional with them and mentoring them (as Paul was to Timothy who is to others - who is your Paul and who is your Timothy?)
Here is the thing that is really cool: When we look at Peter's life we realize that even when we think we have blown it or not do enough, Jesus isn't done with Peter. When the men our fishing on boat, a man (Jesus) suddenly is seen on the beach while Peter and his brothers are fishing. After that man tells them to throw the net on the other side of the boat (note: They haven't caught any fish until this time) that once they "go and make" the appropriate casting of the net on the other side, they catch more fish then they can bring in the boat. This man on the beach is Jesus and he is preparing a meal for them. Peter is questioned by Jesus (like we will be at the Judgement Seat of Christ)...you can read the story by clicking here. Jesus asks Peter over and over, "Do you love me?" Peter, by this point, knowing all the miracles, all the prophecy and the Spirit revealing to Peter that Jesus is the Christ knows that there is nothing he can say and do that Jesus doesn't already know. I can imagine when they first meet that Peter is ashamed and embarrassed after all his claims before the Crucifixion of Jesus that he said he wouldn't deny Jesus (and he did). I cannot imagine that in front of Peter's most trusted friends (and relatives) that he loses face by Jesus calling him out over and over - do you love me. And then I can imagine when Peter finally gets it when Jesus asks him again - do you love me - Peter says YOU KNOW LORD I DO. It wasn't a defiant claim, nor was it an expression of I give up, rather, it was Lord you are my Savior, what more do you require. Jesus puts it plainly there for him to see - Feed My Sheep. Go & Make them Disciples. By the way, Peter's first preaching message after this: 3000 people come to know the Lord (they are saved and redeemed) - Peter now got what Jesus required.
What about you and I? Can we not just hear the words like Jesus's brother (James) says? Can we do them? When we align ourselves with God and His words and His Spirit in us - we can do ALL THINGS!
What's holding you back?
Blessings,
Dante