Mission Trip Prayer & Devotional PlanSýnishorn

"The Power of Jesus"

Today’s scripture is one of the most famous in the Bible. It is the foundation for evangelism and discipleship, and a key text in mission. Christians are commanded to go to “all nations.” No place on earth is excluded.

In some circles this command stands apart from the concern for justice that we have been following through the Bible. Is there justice in this text? Where is the command for Christians to work for justice?

The answer is actually quite obvious. Jesus’ disciples are to teach new disciples “to obey everything I have commanded you.” As we saw last week, Jesus’ concern for justice runs throughout his teaching. He also emphasized his continuity with everything in God’s law. So, all detailed Old Testament laws, all prophetic critiques and all prayers for justice are folded into “what I have commanded you.”

God wants to bring justice to the earth through human beings. That is why he chose Abraham. That is why he gave Israel the law. That is why he urged his prophets to criticize the lack of justice they saw in Israel.

So it is no surprise to note that Jesus called his disciples and trained them in a lifestyle of justice. Nor is it a surprise that he tells them to make other disciples and train them in the same way. This is God’s way of bringing justice to his creation: he does it through people.

This is the ultimate test of effective mission. Have we been able to raise up a body of people who love God and live a life of justice? To do so requires that you first learn yourself to “obey all that I have commanded you.”

Prayer: Lord, we want to be people who disciple other people into your commands of justice. Please help us; we are inadequate to this command. We trust that you would not command in us what you will not also empower. Help us.