Ripples of Faith
Today's Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20
Today's Insights:
The Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19-20 represents one of the most pivotal directives in Christian faith: "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." This command echoes throughout the New Testament in various forms. Mark's gospel records it as "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation" (Mark 16:15). Luke frames it as "Repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations" (Luke 24:47). John captures Jesus saying, "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you" (John 20:21). And Acts reminds believers they will be witnesses "to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8).
This commission encompasses far more than simply announcing the good news of Jesus' death and resurrection. The fullness of this mandate involves baptizing new believers, teaching them scripture's truths, and guiding them to follow Christ completely. It's about creating not just converts, but disciples – followers who embody Christ's teachings in every aspect of their lives.
Today's Devotional:
In a high school gymnasium in 1957, a young man named George Verwer sat listening to evangelist Billy Graham. By the end of that night, George's life had been forever altered – not just by his newfound faith, but by what that faith would inspire him to do. Within a few years, he founded Operation Mobilization (OM), a mission organization that would send thousands of missionaries worldwide. By the time of George's passing in 2023, OM had grown to include over 3,000 workers from 134 countries serving in 147 nations. Perhaps even more remarkably, nearly 300 additional mission organizations had been established through contact with OM.
George's story brings to mind another dramatic conversion – that of the apostle Paul. From persecutor to passionate evangelist, Paul's transformation led him across the ancient world, planting churches and developing new disciples like Timothy who would carry on the mission. His zeal for sharing Christ created ripples that continue to touch shores worldwide today.
What drives such extraordinary dedication? Paul offers insight in Romans 12:11 when he urges believers to "never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." This passionate commitment isn't manufactured through human determination alone – it springs from the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, who instills both the desire and the courage to share Christ with others.
The beauty of the Great Commission lies in its continuous nature. Each person reached becomes a potential messenger to others. When George Verwer responded to Christ's call, he couldn't have imagined the millions who would eventually hear the gospel through the organization he founded. Similarly, when we share our faith, we never know how far those ripples might travel – touching lives across generations and continents in ways we may never witness ourselves.
Reflect & Pray:
Who has been a spiritual catalyst in your life, inspiring you to grow in faith?
What single step could you take this week to be more intentional about sharing Christ with others?
Heavenly Father, ignite in me the same passion that drove Paul, George Verwer, and countless others to share Your love boldly. Remove my hesitation and fill me with Your Spirit's power to be a faithful witness. May my small acts of obedience create ripples that extend far beyond what I can see.
Amen.