In Matthew 28:19 Jesus commands the disciples (and us) to make disciples of all nations. Faced with this intimidating task, we ask, "How can I do it?" First, we need to be reminded we don't do anything in regards to leading people to profess Christ's lordship over their lives because faith does not rest in the wisdom of man but in the power of God (1 Corinthians 2:5). Christ's transforming power and His power alone through the Holy Spirit lifts the veil off of an individual's eyes, nothing else. Following this train of thought, one might ask, "If God is the only one who can lead sinners to His saving grace through Christ, then why doesn't He simply show up on earth in all His glory and make disciples Himself?" C.S. Lewis addresses this question in Mere Christianity.
C.S. Lewis states God is delaying His invasion of humanity because "He wants to give us the chance of joining His side freely." C.S. Lewis goes on to wander if "people who ask God to interfere openly and directly in our world quite realize what it will be like when He does. When that happens, it is the end of the world. When the author walks on stage the play is over." God arriving "without disguise" will be "so overwhelming that it will strike either irresistible love or irresistible horror into every creature. It will be too late then to choose your side...[but rather] discover which side we have really chosen" (C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity).
While "God is holding back" the display of His almighty holiness, righteousness, and glory here on earth we must press on through Christ to make disciples of all nations (C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity). We must present ourselves as a "living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God" to be used by Him to proclaim His gospel of love (Romans 12:1). Seek and abide in Christ. He has already prepared the way for us to make disciples for His glory, now we just need to follow obediently. And do no be discouraged to proclaim the gospel because of your perceived inefficiencies and weakness for Paul states in 2 Corinthians 12:9 that Christ's power is made perfect in weakness. God's sovereign will is going to be implemented and completed because He said it would. So let us as His sons and daughters rest in His promises, and follow Him.
I think more people need to realize that just because you haven't conquered all of your weaknesses it doesn't mean you are incapable of sharing the Gospel. If we sit around waiting on the day when we are going to be perfect then we will have lost a lifetime of converts. We just need to realize that we are the tools but God knows how to use us, and knowing that we can be confident that professing the good news is something we can do effectively through God. And it is also important to realize that the closer we get to God by letting him work through us the more God empowers us to conquer our weaknesses. It all about having the will to make it happen!
ReplyDeleteGreat Blog Scott!