But First, This...

Daily Reading: Matthew 28

Scripture Focus: Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell... (Matthew 28.6b-7a)

Devotional Thought: I'm not sure we ought to be in the business of ‘rating’ various scriptures, but here in Matthew 28, the Great Commission seems very important. But, is it the most significant thing in this chapter?

On that first Easter morning, the two Marys were greeted at the tomb by an angel. He told them the tomb was empty, the body of Jesus gone. Then he gave them these instructions...

· Come. Though these two had come a long way, they needed to go further still. They had an insufficient concept of Jesus. They saw him as a teacher who had taught the way of life, and a friend who had died a tragic and undeserved death. They needed to come into the understanding that this One, who had healed bodies and forgiven sins, could also defeat death.

· See. It was not enough to take the angel's word for it. They needed to see for themselves. We, like them, must be willing to "Taste and see that the Lord is good" (Psalm 34.8). Like the Hebrews in the wilderness, if we are not willing to look, we will not live (Numbers 21).

· Go. Before the church could be given the Great Commission, these ladies had a job of their own to do. They could not stay at the tomb. In the same way, the Church today will not fulfill her destiny unless we are willing to go.

· Tell. The ladies had some explaining to do... The disciples didn't have all the truth. They needed to be instructed. In the same way, the Church today needs to be taught "sound doctrine in accordance with the truth." An erroneous witness can be worse than no witness at all!

Prayer: Lord, I want you to use me to make disciples. But first, I need to come and see, to go and tell. Give me grace and open doors, I pray. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 97.1-7

1 The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad! 2 Clouds and thick darkness are all around him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. 3 Fire goes before him and burns up his adversaries all around. 4 His lightnings light up the world; the earth sees and trembles. 5 The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth.

6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory. 7 All worshipers of images are put to shame, who make their boast in worthless idols; worship him, all you gods!