This ‘age’ is as much about the perfecting of the Church as it is about making disciples of all nations! An idea, we Mobilizers, often neglect at our peril!
These two great themes run like parallel tracks throughout scripture! God taking out of the world a people for His name (Ac 15: 13-18) and God perfecting that people for eternal ages (Eph 2:21, 1Pe 2:5, Rev 5:10, 22:3).
Interestingly, what is often overlooked is that one fulfills the other and conversely one cannot happen without the other!
The Church is perfected/the Body of Christ is built up by engaging in the Great Commission, thus the Great Commission is fulfilled!
We can say that the Great Commission is a ‘double edged sword: It cuts two ways – the nations are discipled when the Church engages in the Great Commission and the Great Commission perfects His Church!
What other pathway, has God provided, for our perfection? There is nothing as powerful as the Great Commission that provides us with the means to mature! It is as we embrace the Great Commission as a ‘commission to be obeyed’ and not a ‘suggestion to be considered; that the wheels of our transformation begin to turn!
From a self – centered, ‘what’s in it for me’ person, to a selfless, bond – servant of Christ! Our journey into Christlikeness and the true joy of being a follower of Jesus begins in earnest!
When Jesus taught on purpose, life and what it means to be His true follower, He frequently would include direct references to the Great Commission. For example, in Mark 8:34-35, it says, ‘Then he called his disciples and the crowds to come over and listen, “If any of you wants to be my follower,’ he told them, “you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross, and follow me. If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will find true life:”(N LT).
Note that Jesus was addressing the ‘crowds’ not just his chosen apostles! He said, “if any of you wants to be my follower… ”. This message was for every believer! The ministry of the Prophet/mobilizer takes on huge significance, when we consider our role in being a ‘laborer together with God’ (1Co 3:9), not only in making disciples of all nations but also in preparing God’s people for eternal ages and God’s eternal glory (Rev 21:3)!
