Joshua 18-19 Allotment of the Remaining Land

The allotment of God's promised land was not complete yet. The people come in unity before their God at their place of worship to receive instructions. The Lord compels them to stop procrastinating and take action. They had been given the land, but they were putting off taking it. A survey of the land was necessary to describe its boundaries and divide it properly. Also, the method chosen to make the allotments was by casting lots. There was work to do and no time to waste.

The establishment of God's kingdom upon the earth depends, to a certain extent, on God's people. Jesus' return is contingent upon our obedience and diligence to spread the Gospel: Matthew 24:14 "And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." Am I interested in seeing God's kingdom established upon the earth? Then, I will give priority to the proclamation of the Gospel into all the world - Evangelism and Missions.

Unfortunately, I've noticed a tendency in me to procrastinate. I've gotten busy with other business upon the earth and have forgotten my Father's business. My Father's business is the Great Commission and it tells me to make disciples as I go... Unfortunately, I am going, in fact, I am all over the place, but I have neglected making disciples. My Father's business does not require me to drop the business of life. It requires me to have this unique focus on establishing God's kingdom upon the earth as I go about the business of life.

Why do I procrastinate making disciples? Is it because it's easier to talk about the weather than to talk about the storms of life and present the one who can calm the storm? Is it because it is easier to talk about politics than about the King of kings? Is it because my need to belong is so strong that I don't want to risk being ostracized for my beliefs? Is it because of plain laziness that would rather relax than work for the kingdom? At some point, I have to answer the Lord's question: "How long will you put off going in to take possession...?"

Lord, light the fire of the Gospel in my heart that I may share it with all who have need of it. Grant me a diligent spirit that overcomes laziness and procrastination. Help me focus on the establishment of your kingdom upon the earth. Amen.

Matthew 28:11-20 The Great Commission

The world in which I live is set against the preaching of the good news of the Gospel: that Jesus,  the Son of God, died for the sins of the world, and resurrected on the third day, and sits at the right hand of the Father, and will come back for his Church one day. But Jesus revealed himself after the resurrection and established clearly that despite great opposition, he has all authority in heaven and on earth. Satan's reign of terror is over! Jesus bought back with his blood what rightfully belongs to him.

Jesus calls me to live my life driven by this one purpose: to make disciples! Make disciples as I go. Much emphasis was given many years ago to the "going," especially overseas. But the emphasis is misplaced. Jesus calls me to make disciples as I go - wherever I happen to be: at home, at work, at school, or the ends of the earth. The call is to live all of life with the intent to make new disciples for Christ wherever I am. I don't need to go overseas to fulfill the call. I can do it right where I live today.

Make disciples by baptizing them. Baptism is the initiation rite into the faith. It is my identification with Christ in his death and resurrection. It is my dedication to Christ in body and soul. It is my public declaration that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. It is a command I must obey. I make disciples as I guide them along the process of making such a commitment. It implies pre-evangelistic as well as evangelistic activities that culminate in a call to follow Jesus.

Make disciples by teaching them. Christian doctrine is the basics of the faith and it is contained in the Scriptures. It is vital to teach good doctrine for the proper development of healthy disciples. Personal devotions, Worship Service, Bible Studies, and retreats are great places to get in touch with the Word of God and learn what Jesus wants from me. I must commit to teach the whole counsel of God to those who will become true disciples of Christ.

When do I know when a disciple is ready? When the disciple begins to make disciples him/herself.  Lord, make me a good disciple-maker. I want to fulfill the purpose of your call upon my life. Fill me with a sense of urgency to seek those who would come into your kingdom to become your disciples.