As a former elementary teacher, I have many great memories of the first day of each school year.  The first day of school is exciting, challenging, nerve testing, tense, and joyful all at the same time.  The students meet you as their teacher for the first time. Most students cannot wait to find their place, see their name, and open their backpack; spilling out all the fresh crayons, new pencils, and other supplies crammed in along with a crushed lunch bag.  Most like seeing their friends from last year and meeting new friends.  But some students are not sure, and a bit apprehensive, about leaving the comforts of home they have enjoyed over the summer to do a “new thing.” 

None of us dive into a “new thing” without some thought and consideration.  We think as earth bound humans until Jesus changes everything!

Matthew 28, The Message

^16-17 Meanwhile, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally.

^18-20 Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.”

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

In these two short paragraphs, that close the gospel of Matthew, we see two powerful messages:

1. Jesus is not deterred by our apprehensiveness and not being sure about risking it all for Him.
2. God authorized Jesus to commission (give a directive, command, charge, instruct and contract) the eleven to go and train EVERYONE.

Whether we say yes, no, or maybe later is up to us.  But God’s Plan of salvation for all will carry on.  God does not need us to do His work.  It is a holy privilege to join Him in His work!  Jesus is not apprehensive getting the work done.  Say yes, not out of duty but from a love that wants to obey our Savior and Lord!

ALL of the eleven heard the directive to “go and make disciples”, (the sure and not so sure), doing what God commanded them through Jesus to be and do.  Even the unsure were given authority to step out to give testimony to seeing Jesus alive and well! 

There is Hope for our uncertainty!  As unsure, new believers, Jesus will work in and through us, giving us the right words to say at the right time!  He left us with His Holy Spirit!  “The Holy Spirit will give you the words to say at the moment when you need them.” (Luke 12:12)  The risk is provided for with great Help!

The Holy Spirit is part of the Trinity of God, the Father, and Jesus, the Son!  When we say yes to Jesus, The Holy Spirit immediately comes to take up residence in our being.  This how Jesus is “with us” always: “I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.” 

What assurance!  What Blessed Assurance!

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,

Thank you for who you are in me and what you have done for me. Thank you for allowing us to join you in Your work to save everyone! Thank you for saving me!  Thank you for helping me point the way to your saving grace with opportunities and the right words to say with your love in my heart.

In Jesus Name, Amen

Worship with me…

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God
Born of his Spirit, washed in His blood

This is my story, this is my song
Praising my Savior all the day long
This is my story, this is my song
Praising my Savior all the day long

Perfect submission, perfect delight
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight
Angels descending bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love

This is my story, this is my song
Praising my Savior all the day long
This is my story, this is my song
Praising my Savior all the day long
Praising my Savior all the day long

(Songwriters: Don Wyrtzen / Fanny Crosby / Phoebe Knapp)

Now—get to work!