Quote of the Week

Our quote this week dovetails off my previous post.   A lot of times when we think about going cross-culturally and the sacrifice involved, we forget who has asked us to join in that endeavor.  An important aspect of the great commission in Matthew 28 is that the first of four "alls" Jesus mentions is that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him.  It is out of this universal authority that we are commanded to make disciples, baptize and teach all nations.  In the book Finish The Mission  there is a chapter by Louie Giglio looking at exactly who is asking us to join in the pursuit of global evangelization.   Without going into much detail he essentially comes down to the same conclusion as Stott. This leaves me with a sense of responsibility as well as one of expectation.  While Christ is asking me to play a role in the great commission, it is not solely on my shoulders to make it happen. Rather, He is asking me to join in with what He is already doing. 

"His authority on earth allows us to dare to go to all the nations. His authority in heaven gives us our only hope of success. And His presence with us leaves us no other choice.” 

John R. W. Stott