Blessing Our Community - Day 16

DAY 16 - Monday, April 15, 2024

Matthew 28:18–20
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore 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. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Scripture Insights
It’s not enough to love God. The desire of our hearts must be to live life in obedience to the direct commands of Jesus. Today’s scripture captures the relationship and transfer of authority from the Father to Jesus, who modeled a life in obedience to the heart of the Father. In his authority, Jesus gave us direct commands to go, make disciples, baptize, and teach. Jesus is the door of grace who gives us access to the God who made a way for his Spirit to dwell within us.
My dad was in the military, and that experience formed his worldview and relationship with the Father. I have had the pleasure of witnessing him live under the authority of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit since I was five. Do you know someone who lives on a need-to-know basis, trusting the Holy Spirit’s leading, especially in the context of relationships and discipleship? Discipleship happens in the context of a relationship, and relationships move at the speed of trust.
May the depth of our relationship with the Holy Spirit inform our relationships with others. May you live life on a need-to-know basis, under the authority of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—because only the obedient can teach others to obey.

Today’s Prayer
Jesus, you are the door of grace who gives us access to the glory of the Father. By your example, Jesus, and the gift of your Holy Spirit, help us love, trust, and obey you, that we would be known for love.

What is the Spirit saying to you today?

—Irene Lewis-Wimbley
Missionary-on-Staff, Pekin First Church of the Nazarene
Director, Southside Community Center (Illinois)