Daily Devotion: Embracing Jesus's Vision

Scripture:
Matthew 28: 19-20, Proverbs 29:18

Main Verse:
Matthew 28: 19-20
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Observation:
A common question asked to job applicants by hiring managers is "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?" As a former interviewer myself, I have received a variety of answers from job applicants, with some telling me they want to be the CEO of the company, or that they see themselves in my seat doing my job! Honestly, the interviewer just wants to know from the job applicant what s/he plans to do with the job s/he is applying for and assure the hiring manager that s/he is the perfect candidate for the job. Interviewers want to know the candidate's vision, if it is reasonable and realistic, and if that is in line with the company's vision of growth.

When Jesus resurrected, He revealed His vision to his disciples. He wanted the Gospel to be preached to the ends of the world, and for everyone to hear the Good News before He returns to earth. He wanted to share His vision to His disciples, to His followers, to us, because He wants to challenge us and focus on serving God and others.

Application:
We need to embrace Jesus's vision despite the challenges. As humans, we have our limitations and may not be always able to do what Jesus wants us to do. We may not be 100% holy and perfect (no one is!), but that should not hinder us from accepting the Lord's challenge of making disciples of all nations. The Lord wants us to use whatever we can give to the ministry of discipleship. If we don't have time, we can devote either our treasure or talents, and vice versa. As we wait for His return, let us actively participate in turning His vision into a reality. Our vision in life now that we are disciples of Christ is to turn others into disciples as well. As disciples, our task is to be a discipler, to help others become fully committed followers of Jesus Christ.

Proverbs 29: 18
Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

Prayer:
Lord, thank you for sharing your vision to us. Forgive me when I fail to carry out your vision, and forget to keep this vision in my heart. Forgive me for being so occupied with trivial matters, and spending so much time with meaningless and insignificant things. I pray, oh Lord, that I may focus on your vision, OUR vision, and fix my eyes straight ahead on the path you have carefully laid on my feet. May I stick to this path and be steadfast in all of my ways. I ask and pray in Your Holy Name. AMEN.