Yesterday we read from Matthew’s report of Jesus’ farewell speech to his followers, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. (Matthew 28:18)” His next word is “therefore…” (roll of drums in the background), “Go.” In Genesis the mandate for humanity was to be fruitful, multiply and care for the earth. But now the mandate is “go.” “Go” is something we can all do with whatever talents we have. Jesus does not say we are to preach or teach, meditate or heal, just “go” and be his representatives.
I note that the mandate is outward focused towards community. Faith is not just about my personal beliefs and happiness or getting to heaven. It is also about how I interact with others. God is building a kingdom.
I also note that there is not a qualifying statement like “go to your friends” but a general “go.” As a sociologist, I cannot help but see the communal nature of life and God’s will. Love is not love if it sits silent in my heart but it desires to be active with others. My husband loved the saying, “I’m drinking from the saucer cuz my cup is overflowing.” Love, compassion, help or any other good feeling only becomes reality when it is shared. All the valued fruits of the Spirit that we pray are growing in our lives are interactional. Jesus told the parable about the Good Samaritan. A man was beaten up and left to die. Three men passed by on the other side of the road unwilling to help the person. But a foreigner came along and showed mercy to the wounded victim. The despised foreigner was the hero of the story.
God desires us to “go.” It is not because it feels good and we benefit but more because it is God’s will that we be his representatives, his hands and his feet, and his heart tangibly in our world today. Surprisingly, we will often feel better afterwards. Perhaps today you are needing something from God and so you have prayed. Often the answer will come in the form of someone caring about you or as you “go” about your day.
Jesus continues in his farewell but his first instruction is action based on his authority. The “other” may not appreciate our reaching out but we reach out, not to be appreciated, but in response to how Christ reached out to us. Perhaps take a moment and think who might appreciate an unexpected act of love like a note, a phone call, a smile, a thank you. It’s not hard, “Go!” Blessings.
On the Way to Wonder 