Let’s be honest: When Jesus gave us the Great Commission in Matthew 28-18-20, he could not have possibly foreseen the frenetic kinds of lives we would live today. In that sense, while we can affirm the general intent of this wonderful passage, I think we should include a footnote in our Bibles that’s appropriate for the times. It might read like so:
Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.*
* Unless of you’re pregnant, going thru a midlife crisis, PMSing, injured, iron-deficient, busy at work, are in the middle of baseball season, sick, tired, elderly, too young, taking a break, unsure of your gifts, are a nursing mother, are emotionally unstable, in counseling, a new parent, starting a new job, are trying to have children of your own, or your kids are busy in sports. Furthermore, if you are currently taking anti-depressants, struggling with sin of any kind, are finishing school, busy with your family, in debt, angry at the church, not growing spiritually, menopausing, not connecting with your pastor, have strange neighbours, have started a new job, are lonely, feeling unappreciated, struggling with acne, wishing they’d sing the good old songs in church, wishing they’d sing some new songs in church, are a new Christian or a mature Christian who’s retired after years of faithful service, are vertically challenged, are scheduled for surgery on Friday, want to lose those last two pounds, enjoy pew sitting, are colour blind, just need to focus on you for now, are nervous about stepping out in faith, require corrective lenses, need a hair cut, or walk with a limp, you should in no way understand this passage as being applicable to you right now.
Clearly, in such a case, you should feel free to live your own life for the time being. God understands, and will build his kingdom with people who aren’t as busy as you are.
Really.
😉
This was funny. How in the world did you come up with all those issues??
good writing.
Thanks Sharon. The list? I’m a pastor. Tragic thing is, I’ve heard about half of those used as actual excuses at one time or another.
That was funny! It’s too bad you’ve actually heard those excuses, however!
Of course, when I saw the title of your post was The Great Commission, my immediate thoughts jumped to work (I’m in sales; I need my commissions.) Wrong kind of commissions!
But still, it got me to your post!
LoL! But the pun is great.
Perfect! Love this. There is nothing too hard for God if we’ll trust Him. Thank you, Brad.
Greetings Brad – I enjoyed this “reading” of Matthew 28 as you projected the possible stream of consciousness responses we often bring to any clear call from God for us to respond in obedience. The disclaimers in our mind often “exempt” us from obedience, and are simply avoidance techniques that we learn so well in our NA culture. Insightful way of presenting this idea. Question – do you mind me quoting this at some point when I am teaching my students in the Outtatown program? Paul Kroeker