GO

“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 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.’ “(Matthew 28:18-20)

One hot summer day in 1956, a young family — father, mother, and 8-year old son — was enjoying a lazy Sunday afternoon at home in St. Joseph, Illinois. Two men knocked on the front door. One was named Orville Hubbard. Orville used to work in the oil fields. He had minimal education and was a very normal, ordinary guy. His friend was named Dick Wolf, and he had met this young family when the wives were in the hospital giving birth at the same time several years before. Orville & Dick asked if they could come in; they wanted to talk for a few minutes about something really important to them.There was not much else to do, so the husband invited them in.
He sat on the couch with his wife as Orville & Dick began to present the gospel. They talked about what it meant to have a relationship with Jesus Christ. The couple sat and listened. Their son, playing with his trucks on the floor, was listening, too, and hanging on every word. That day changed everything for that family. The next week, the mom & dad — along with their young son — gave their lives to Christ and were baptized. Two ordinary men responded to Jesus’ missional command to “go and make disciples,” and Jesus pointed them to this family’s house.
The “Great Commission” of Jesus is not simply a wonderful suggestion. It’s not a strategic idea or a devotional illustration. It is an authoritative command. God sent Jesus to make a way for all of mankind to be rescued. And now, Jesus sends us to spread that good news. GO. Sure, it would be more comfortable to stay. It would be easier to invite them to come to us. GO. Yes, the fear factor would be lower, the expenses cheaper, the risk of rejection slighter. But Jesus commands us: GO.
Of course, He doesn’t send us alone. He promises to be right beside us every step of the way. And He doesn’t place the entire burden of responsibility on our shoulders: We plant seeds, we water, but God gives the growth. Still, our part in the mission is to GO. TELL. Make disciples, teaching them to obey Jesus too.
I’m sure that Orville & Dick could have found other things to do that day. My guess is they were pretty nervous when they knocked on that door. But two men obeyed Jesus’ command to join in His mission. By the way, the couple who answered the door that day, Kyle Idleman, who wrote the book, “not a fan.”, calls Grandma & Grandpa. That little 8 year old boy playing on the floor, was his father. I think it’s fair to say that without Orville & Dick’s willingness to GO, he might not be a Christian, or minister today.

Pursuing Today
Take some time to trace your own spiritual family tree. Do some homework; make some calls.This might take some time, but it could be very rewarding. Thank God for obedient parents, co-workers, or friends. Now consider this: Who is Jesus calling you to go and tell? Eternity is at stake. Commit to respond in obedience today.