MAY 12,  Matthew 28:18 - 20

Jesus commands His disciples to continue to do the Lord’s work. That was a very uncertain time for the disciples as they know they would not have Jesus by their side as they had for 3 years. How could they cope with the evil religious leaders and people who even killed their Lord? Knowing their thoughts, what does Jesus do? He encourages them in these 3 verses with four “Alls”. Can you find them?

Firstly, there is “All power” (v 18). God is omnipotent – He has limitless power. Then, He commands that the disciples teach “all nations” (v 19). They were to spread the good news to people other than Jews. The third all is v 20, when Jesus told them to teach the others to observe “all things” that Jesus taught - to teach the entire Bible, not just the few verses we may have learnt, or favourite Bible passages. The last all is when Jesus told them He would be with always (v 20). This great truth is realised as God the Holy Spirit is with us Christians as He lives in us. So with these four “alls”, Jesus commands that we do His work.

To you, a student, what does it mean to “do the Lord’s work”? Study in a Bible college, or give all your possessions to the poor? No, God is not unreasonable! He knows you are a student and you need to spend time studying, spend time with your parents, and also spend time with good leisure. Doing the Lord’s work means to honour God in whatever you say and do and think. It could be as easy as being kind to the poor canteen lady whom many students in school pay no attention to. It can be as simple as being genuinely nice to the maid at home for those of you who are fortunate enough to have a live-in helper. It is to be grateful to mum and dad for all the sacrifices they have made. It is to accommodate your brother or sister and not to fight over things.

God has reminded us in these few verses of the 4 “alls” and we must be strengthened by them so that we can do His work as often as we can! He knows it is not easy, that is why he encourages us that He has all the power to help us. Therefore, to Him we must go often in prayer and seek His help.

Thought: May I be God’s worker!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me the opportunity to work for You! Teach me to remember I may draw on the strength of Jesus and that I must go to you in prayer often so that I would not rely on my own abilities but always on Yours. This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.