“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.”
— Matthew 28:19-20
The gospel is to go forth to all nations. There are to be most earnest invitations. All church members are to understand that they are to do the work God has given them to do. The message of Bible truth is to be given to all to whom they can find access. (1)
“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” This is the great commission given by Christ to his disciples after his resurrection. God has claims upon the service, not of the ministers merely, but of all who profess his name,—men and women, youth and children; and the earlier they are led out of and away from self, and taught to engage in unselfish labor for others, the nearer will they come to fulfilling this holy commission. Yet notwithstanding the claims that God has upon us, many select a course of life for themselves, without thought or reference to the glory of God; and all the time they profess to be his servants, following his directions, when in fact they are only serving themselves.
When Christ left his exalted position in Heaven, and came to this earth, he was not treated as a sovereign or even as a benefactor. His life was one of continual self-denial and sacrifice for others. His own testimony is, “I came down from Heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of Him that sent me.” All was laid upon the altar. How can we better show our appreciation of the great sacrifice made by the Lamb of God than by following his example, and carrying forward the work which he commenced while on earth? All who remain inactive when there is so much to be done, will at last be found guilty before God. Let us adopt the sentiment of the poet,
“Do something—do it soon—with all thy might; An angel’s wing would droop if long at rest, And God himself, inactive, were no longer blest.” (2)
Charge for the Day: As you begin this new year, dedicate your life to fulfilling God’s Great Commission. Write down resolutions that are attainable and centered around leading others to Christ, our only hope.
1. Manuscript 185, 1903
2. Signs of the Times, September 22, 1887