Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted! Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 8:16-20
DEVOTION – by Troy Gambrell:
This week as we close out our month of prayer and fasting, we turn our attention to pray for our world. My prayer is that this season of Prayer & Fasting is only the beginning of a season that has peaked your desire to draw close to Him. We don’t want to leave it here in the month of May, but would love for this to become a rhythm of our lives.
It is interesting to me that this passage points out that some “worshipped Him – but some doubted.” How could all of them not have believed as they were standing in front of the Risen Jesus?? Think about how mysterious this would have been…
And yet here we are, still with the same responses. But instead of Jesus appearing to crowds, He laid the message of the Gospel on us to live and speak to the world around. We shouldn’t be discouraged when some accept and some doubt. We should be reminded what our Seniors shared during our Mother’s Day service: “Our responsibility is to be faithful to carry out the mission.”
Before Jesus lays out our mission, He wants to first remind us of His authority from His Father. “Power in the hands of some people is dangerous, but power in the hands of Christ is blessed. Oh, let him have all power! Let him do what he will with it, for he cannot will anything but that which is right, and just, and true, and good.” Charles Spurgeon
The Mission: “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Does this passage bring you fear or joy? Or both? If this “good news” message has transformed you, then there should be deep joy in this mission. Have you ever gone on a trip of a lifetime? When you came back, was it a burden to share your trip with those around you or were you filled with joy and jumping at the opportunity to share. This is the attitude that we should have when it comes to our own transforming story. But Christ recognized that sharing isn’t without fears, so He says “I am with you always.”
Take a moment to pray for anyone you know that is carrying the gospel to others. Maybe you know someone in another country. Pray for them that God would sustain them and embolden them through the authority of God. And take it a step further and let them know that you are praying for them today.
Please pray for our SY Peru Team as they leave on Thursday to love and share the gospel message with the people of Cusco, Peru.
PRAYER:
Matthew 6:5-13 teaches us how to pray. One of the ways we teach children to remember this passage is through the A.C.T.S. acronym.
Adoration
God, you are the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. You are sovereign over all creation. We pray the your will be done in this world that you love and that you created.
Confession
God, our world is at a loss without you. This world needs you. We need you! We are hopeless until we find our hope in you.
Thanksgiving
God, thank you that you see us and you know us. Nothing happens in this world that isn’t under your complete and sovereign authority.
Supplication
God, we ask that you heal our land and that you draw us back to you Father. Some will believe and some will doubt. Help us to believe.
Our staff is praying for our Faith Family as we enter a season of prayer and fasting. If we can come alongside you, please reach out to us individually or through the prayer team at prayer@sanctuaryinhim.org.
Invitation:
We invite you to join us in person at any of our weekly prayer gatherings this month:
- Sunday Mornings at 8:30am in Room 104
- Tuesday Morning at 7:00am in the Auditorium (the church will be closed Monday in observance of Memorial Day)
- Tuesday Mornings at 10:00am in the Green Room (Room 125)
