Living Out the Great Commission from Wherever We Stand

Darcie @ Leighton Lane

10 hours ago

4 min read

Scripture

Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:1-2 (NIV)

Whether you feel called to do missions abroad or stay close to home, we can always do the work Jesus calls us to in the Great Commission. I hope this devotional brings a smile to your face and some pep in your step as you go spread the Good News.

Before cell phones and GPS, we used an Atlas to navigate on road trips. When we missed the off-ramp in a big city, we argued and panicked as we tried to reroute. We lived on prayer until we could express gratitude for arriving safely at our destination. Later, we would laugh about it all.

A pastor told me a hilarious story of relocating across several states in prehistoric times before modern technology. He drove the rental truck and his pregnant wife followed in the van. The pastor’s only instruction to his wife was to follow closely and not lose sight of the truck. She did as he instructed and followed the moving truck out of the rest stop. Unfortunately, her husband wasn’t driving that truck. Fifty miles down the interstate, she realized her mistake and pulled over. In full panic mode, she prayed out loud to Jesus. “Please let my husband find me. I will do anything, Lord. Just don’t send me to Africa.” Her husband pulled up behind her just a few minutes later. I’m not sure if she ever went to Africa.

Like the pastor’s wife, I am not afraid to admit my love of knowing where I am and for indoor plumbing and electricity. I appreciate and support the selfless and adventurous souls who do missions for the Lord abroad. Maybe one day, God will lead me out of my comfort zone, but in my current season, my mission field is my home, the local community, and my keyboard. Technically, technology helps me spread the Good News in Africa from the comfort of my air-conditioned office. Perhaps I found a loophole. I'm not sure whether our Creator thinks that is funny, but I find it hilarious. Fast-forward six months, and I will probably not be laughing from my hut in mosquito heaven. Never say never is my motto.

Whatever continent we are on, we can wake each morning and declare our surroundings and people as our mission field.

Every day we can go to work with the Holy Spirit. We can listen to His whispers and pay attention to His nudges. Patiently guiding our children and teaching them about Jesus will always be our most important mission. When our spouse is having a rough week at work, we can make them their favorite meal. When someone suddenly comes to mind, we can send an encouraging text or call. We can also keep a prayer list. We can keep snacks and water bottles in our cars and roll down the window the next time we see a person in need. The need for Jesus and charity is worldwide, even in our little suburban towns.

Forest path with overlaid quote about hearing the Spirit and living as Jesus tells us to; @leightonlane.com at bottom

The author of Hebrews reminds us of the mission field of hospitality. Until the day Jesus returns, someone will always need our generosity. Someone will always need to hear the words the Spirit has to say through us. Someone out there needs us to live as Jesus tells us to. And when we do, we might accidentally entertain an angel as a bonus (Hebrews 13:2).

The Great Commission is Our Ultimate Mission

Before Jesus finished His earthly ministry, He left us with the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:16-20, “…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.”

Jesus gives us the divine authority to carry out this mission as His representative. Our job is to follow instructions right where He places us and not get lost along the way. Even if that happens, no worries. Jesus will find us and reroute us back to safety.

Questions for Reflection

1. Whose life can you increase in a heavenly way today?

2. If you could go on a mission trip anywhere, where would it be?

Let's Pray

Dear Jesus, thank You for giving me the opportunity to go on mission with You every day from wherever I stand. Help me to be the salt and light of the earth. Nudge me when I need to help someone in need. Give me the right words to speak and a generous heart. Make me a humble and selfless servant. In Your Mighty Name, Amen.