HOW THE GREAT COMMISSION ENLARGES OUR HEARTS
After Paul and Barnabas finished their first missionary journey, they returned to their sending church at Antioch. What a joy it must have been to return to this large and prosperous church. After giving their report, they continuing teaching and preaching in Antioch. Yet after a while, Paul wanted to go back out and check on the new believers at the little churches he and Barnabas had planted in Galatia and Asia Minor. It was wonderful being back with the members of their home church, but they longed to see how their brethren in the new church plants were doing.
This is what happens to those who go to places outside their comfort zone carrying the gospel. They are stretched. Their focus turns from inward to outward, from the comfortable to the challenging. Why? Because they find new family members everywhere they go. And because their awareness of the Lord seems even more intimate when they are carrying His gospel to the nations.
Obeying the Great Commission enlarges our hearts for others above ourselves.
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for saving us and sending us to the nations with the gospel of Your Son. We ask that You strengthen us today to lift our eyes to You for where we are to focus next. It is so easy to be caught up in the things and interests of this world. We lift our eyes to You and to command of Your Son to make disciples of all nations. Help us to focus on this today and always. In Jesus’ name, amen.