Matthew 28:19-20
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen
From Christ's Great Commission to the Church comes a great mission every believer. As we are going about life and all that means to us individually, we are to be thinking in terms of relationships, making disciples of all those within the reach of our circle of influence. You know that circle. It's your neighbors, school teachers, co-workers, friends and family, though I dare say few of us come even close to fulfilling this commission of making disciples.
Notice that Jesus mentions the Trinity in this command. As new believers commit to discipleship, they are to be baptized in the authority of the three names of the Trinity – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Surely this is to remind every believer of the eternal and unified nature of God. A nature that is not of separate persons, but three who are one, living in unity. When we become a believer, our faith is equally given to all the persons of the God-head, even as we commit to living as disciples of Jesus Christ.
Of course, the Trinity is beyond our ability to fully understand, but know this: When you begin your journey of discipleship, you go forth to the world in the name of God – that's Father, Son and Spirit. No part of God's nature is left out, no part of God's nature reigns supreme over the others, and no part of God's nature is to be feared. The point is, God is fully with you as you go in God's name, representing the Lord to your world.
Surely the Spirit's touch is needed for you to live as one who draws people to Christ. For it is only as the Spirit lives through you that others can begin to see Jesus in you. You can't do this on your own, for it is the Spirit that makes disciples.
LORD JESUS
I invite you to make disciples through my life. I begin by inviting your Spirit to live through me, so that I may fearlessly and obediently speak your name and reflect your love to those in need of your salvation. Amen.
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