This blog entry is part three of a multi-part entry.

"Go therefore and make converts of all the nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit . . ."

Of course, I am quoting this WRONGLY in order to make a point.  

The word 'converts' should be 'disciples'.  But converts seem to have become the emphasis in our 'great commission'.  What is so tragic is that even this 'commission' is lifted out of context.  That is where we begin to get into trouble . . . a sound-bite without the full story. Not that our commission doesn't include sharing the pathway to salvation and eternal life, but as A.W. Tozer states . . .

"Everything is made to center upon the initial act of 'accepting' Christ
(a term, incidentally, which is not found in the Bible)
and we are not expected thereafter to crave any further revelation
of God to our souls."

It begs the question if this shallowed-out emphasis is actually producing salvation in those who are being drawn into conversion.  One of two things (or both) may be occurring. Either people are going through the motions as they profess faith, or they are being kept immature by the sound-bite ministries we are providing them.  Probably both and more, I suppose.  I am concerned we have become the shallow leading the shallow.  Myopic in sight and depth.  We are loosing the greater, larger story of what salvation is actually all about.  Jesus certainly did come to provide us eternal life, but that life is called abundant, not just a ticket to heaven. It is for now, as well as in the future. Eternal life is not something that is provided after physical death, but something that we posses right now! We need to help people understand that very important point.

Here's the full context of the mission . . .

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, 
“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, 
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit, 
teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; 
and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

It's much harder to make a sound-bite out of this full statement and directive Jesus provides.  And it also doesn't fit easily on a business card or at the bottom of stationary. : ) 

Let's widen the view.  Before we even get to 'making disciples' Jesus establishes something very important . . . His authority.  Going out to make disciples is obviously based upon authority that has been given Jesus.  It isn't based upon clever strategies. The Holy Spirit guides, directs and empowers the process, based upon the authority established in Jesus. Relational availability is again the key here. To the Father and to others. How do we cultivate this?

First . . . I have to ask myself the question . . . am I relationally available to the LORD? Or am I too busy with things?  Even good things?  If I am going to know what is on the Father's heart I will need to be available and be listening.  I will need my spirit tuned in to what He is saying and where He is leading.  Henry Blackaby made such a simple, but profound statement.  

"Find out where God is at work and go join Him."

How does one start being relational available to the Father?  For me it starts with the thought, "I wonder where dad is?"  That's what my kids say as they look around the house or yard for me.  As they approach me they most often say, "Dad?  What are you doing?"  I think those are great questions that move us to relational availability to God.

It is through this process that we then are able to make ourselves relationally available to others.  The Father knows who will be ready to hear His voice and where they are. He knows His plans for those who are on the journey toward Him and who desires to get to know Him.  We just need to trust His authority and ask to be brought into the process. Whether a person is ready to trust in Him for the first time for salvation, or whether they are ready to trust Him in a deeper way . . . this is all the path to becoming an authentic disciple.  The Father desires for us each to pursue becoming an authentic disciple and to help others deepen their authenticity. No clever strategies needed.  Just a simple thought . . .

"I wonder where dad is and what He's doing today?"

More on all this later . . .