Go!

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19 NRSV

As I was out running errands yesterday, I observed the reactions of the other drivers at the stop lights. It is Massachusetts, so I'm used to folks spending through the yellows. As I am prone to do, I paused for an additional second after the light changed to green, ensuring the intersection was clear before proceeding. This, of course, earned me a honk from the person behind. Perhaps they thought I was absorbed in a text (I wasn't), or they were just impatient; however, I received their message. Green means Go!

The disciples were at an intersection; what would they do? Jesus was getting ready to depart from them physically, though spiritually, he would be with them until the end of time. They had places to go–to all nations, and things to do–baptizing new believers in the name of our Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The disciples could have remained forever in that comfortable place of the intersection, ignoring the changing signal as it cycled red, yellow, and green. They could have been content basking in the knowledge of Jesus, but that wasn't the plan. And while Jesus wasn't a honking driver, he did tell them it was time to go. From Jesus, they had learned everything they needed; they had been with him during his ministry, listening to his words and witnessing the miracles. Now it was their time for action.

Like no other time, today is a time for the Church to go. The world seems to grow increasingly crazy with each passing day; the wind of public opinion twists its morals. Our leaders are more influenced by perception and polling numbers than godly wisdom. The only hope for peace and sanity in this world is God. Christ had given us the green light. This is not a time for the Church to pause in the intersection. Instead, we need to talk to our family, friends, and neighbors and share the life-saving message of Jesus Christ.

Father, thank you for the hope in Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Fill us with your power as on the day of Pentecost. Help us not to remain hesitantly in the intersection but to go boldly forth, sharing the Good News in every home, store, and rooftop. Christ has come, Christ saves, and Christ will come again. Amen.

Blessings,

Pastor Tim