Who Are The Nations?
Recently, my doors were blown off. I actually could not believe what my ears were telling me they heard. Surely there was a mistake. The sounds that triggered utter disbelief were those of the worthiness for people to receive the gospel. I know that right now the question is raised by Christians on who is worthy to hear the gospel. The greater tragedy that day was silence. Silence held hostage members of the faith simply because someone else read their mind. The sentiments spoken reflected the opinions of most in the room.
I must have misread the Great Commission. There must be some type of hidden clause that allows believers to share with only like-minded people. Surely there is a sentence in the Great Commission that offers an affirmative defense. God could not possibly expect all believers to not only share the gospel, but to share it with less than desirable people. This might make some people uncomfortable.
A quick look into the Scripture will provide some honest answers. Matthew 28:18, Jesus establishes his authority to send his followers into the world. Actually, in verse nineteen, the command is to "make disciples of all the nations." A deeper dig into the word reveals a couple in interesting concepts.
The Great Commission mandates discipleship. Discipleship necessitates involvement from Christians. The process begins with evangelism, moves to baptism, and culminates in Christian growth. The true mark of a disciple of Christ is revealed by more Disciples of Christ. When Jesus commanded His disciples to make disciples, He expected results.
Lack of discipleship remains a serious problem within the community of faith. Many Christian people falsely assume they are not gifted in evangelism so reaching out is someone else's problem. The struggles evidenced with people leaving the church speak loudly about the current level of effectiveness for discipleship. How can we expect anything different when we, as Christians, refuse to follow the command of Christ to make disciples?
The greater problem demands an answer. Remember the command? Make disciple of the nations. This command verbalizes what we are to do and the audience. A brief definition of the nations reveals that the nations are people without the gospel. Ethnicity matters not in sharing the gospel. Geographical boundaries should not concern believers when following the commands of Christ. Social and financial status should never prevent people from hearing the gospel. The nations are every people, tribe, tongue, and walk of life. The gospel is the message of the saving grace of Jesus Christ and is worthy to be presented to every man, woman, and child regardless of where they live, how they look, or even how they respond. The command of God is to make disciples of all nations.
As a pastor, I became aware of two very serious problems. The first is that people seriously believe that some are unworthy of the gospel. The second is that most don't care. I pray that we, as Christians, are moved to conviction to the point of weeping for our apathy as it is sending the lost to hell.
Make disciples of all the nations!
©2010 Todd A. Peebles
It is somewhat of a paradox ,that as a christian you are wanting all people to come to a saving knowledge of Christ.But as part of human nature you always judge people from the outside in .instead of how God looks at us from the inside out.i have been guilty of the "don't cast my pearls before swine " but in reality if i get the chance to share Gods word ,love ,and saving grace .it should be to anyone .You make some very great points ,it really is a very valid message for the church .God bless.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely sounds like the church needs to be evangelized as much as the city. I will be praying for you. This is a heart breaking and difficult situation to find yourself in.
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