Investing 101, continued

We are talking this week about the most important investing that we can do here on earth. The investment opportunity that we don't want to miss out on!
As I studied, I was struck by the fact that we often forget about the Great Commission. It's not just a series of verses that we can hear and forget. It's Jesus' instructions to us!
When we introduce someone to Jesus, we are fulfilling the Great Commission. We're doing the work of His kingdom.
Let's refresh our memories. What does that Commission say?

But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. 18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:16-20)

The commentaries that I consulted agreed that the first part of verse nineteen carried the meaning of not just "go," but "as you go."
Huh?
Here's what I mean. He didn't say, "OK, pastors and church elders, it's up to you. Go make disciples."
He didn't say, "Go on mission trips and make special times that you witness."
Nope.
He said "as you go."
As you go through your daily life.
As you go to work.
As you go to school.
As you go to the store.
Any time.
Anywhere. As you go about your business.
Not just the pastor. Or his staff. Or the outreach leader. If we are plumbers, we can witness for Him. If we are electricians. If we are attorneys. If we are homemakers. If we are retired.
We are to continually be looking for opportunities to show and speak the gospel. To make disciples. Ready to cover up your toes? I am tucking mine under my chair, not that it will do any good.....does everyone that we work around know we are believers? Does everyone that knows us know that we are Christians? Are we keeping it a secret that we are children of God?  If we are fulfilling the Great Commission, they will know!
Jesus said that we'd receive power, after the Holy Spirit comes to us.
He is living within us -- we have no excuse if we are not spreading His gospel. If we are not investing in other people and introducing them to Christ, there's actually no excuse.

Yet another reason to strive to be like Andrew -- to invest in others and bring them to Jesus: God is glorified.

 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. (John 15:8)

And this verse, too:

You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. (John 15:16)

When we are instrumental in another person's receiving Christ as their Savior, we are helping another face in the crowd to reflect His love. We are bearing fruit for Him, and it's eternal fruit - it will remain. We are striking blows against Satan when we bear fruit for Jesus Christ. Another believer will be redeemed from sin and from the devil's power. They are indwelt by Him, and what an investment: they will go on to tell yet more people about the Lord! Jesus will be able to live in them and through them - He can show His love to even more people, because we invested our time in telling others about Christ!

I don't know about you, but all of this is inspiring to me. Motivating.
But in case you need more motivation, we'll talk about that next time!