Matthew 28: 18-20
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 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, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Whose words are more inspiring than those of Jesus himself? Jesus’ command to his disciples has fired a commission for all of his followers to go out and speak the truth of his saving love, power, and grace to all. With courage his Church seeks out the most remote and abandoned places in search of those who have yet to hear about the love and grace of God. We raise money to go on mission trips, gather food and clothing to feed and clothe the homeless, and orchestrate outreaches to bring hope and awareness to our communities. These are all great and wonderful things that the Church can be proud of.
As a follower of Christ, I also take on the endeavor to share the gospel with those God has put on my path. I see the importance to be a servant to others and offer my time, finances, prayers, and other resources. Yet, I have missed the mark when it comes to do the same for one particular group… my extended family. I often miss calls from my dad, fail to visit sick family members, miss opportunities to welcome new arrivals, and lack the attempt to fellowship and build on our relationships. It is not because I do not love them or because I don’t want to see them, but I often dismiss my behavior with the excuse that I am busy working, being a mom, a wife, and doing God’s work.
God has strategically placed us in our families to be a light to them. I am not sure why I find it more important at times to witness and serve those I do not know, than those who should be closest. I have even found myself praying that God would send others to be a witness in their lives, when God has already chosen me to be that witness.
God has reminded me this week that Jesus’ commission is not only that I seek out those who are outside my own home, but to pursue those closest to me with the same passion that I have been willing to pursue others. I know that I might not be able to do this for all, but it is important to make the time and effort to allow these close relatives to be a part of my life. After all… I might be their only opportunity to see God’s love in action.
Donna Nunez