31 Days of Devotion, Day 19 by Justin Woodruff

Daily Reading: Matthew 28:16-20

In 2019, my wife and son joined me in Liberia to adopt three-year-old twins Leo and Owen.  In the chaos of the Monrovia airport, we noticed a LOVE T-shirt and introduced ourselves to a man with a big smile and an even bigger heart named Daryl.  We were soon inspired by the LIVE2540 commitment to Matthew 28:16-20.  Let’s consider together, perhaps for the first time in a while, what the Great Commission requires of us.

GO

With eyes up, cellphones down, and hearts eager to cultivate relationships.  Setting aside the distractions of this world and self-serving priorities. 

To neighbors, classmates, coworkers, and strangers across the globe.  Not in our power according to our plan, but with the authority of Christ wherever He leads.

MAKE DISCIPLES

Discipleship begins with the transforming gospel of Jesus Christ and leads to a life surrendered to God.  Born again.  Filled with the Holy Spirit.  Baptized.

Discipleship matures through sacrificial service as we model and teach others how to love and follow Christ according to His word.

It’s been four years (and dozens of LOVE shirts collected) since we met Daryl.  As I write this, I’m in Guatemala with two daughters and a team from our church.  Our goal?  To go and make disciples.  Why?  Because this is how God taught us to Love Him and Love them.

The Great Commission is not for super Christians.  It is for you and me.  It is a primary purpose of our lives.  Ask God to show you where and how He wants you to participate right now, wherever you are.  What does God promise in return?  To be with you always.  There is nothing better than that!

Daily Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for the privilege of sharing the news of Jesus with others. Help me to be aware of people to whom you want to send me with this good news of God’s love revealed in his Son. Amen.