Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily devotional where we are in our Summer Inspiration series. This week we’ve been considering the example of Jonathan and his armour bearer. Today, we see how The Great Commission is to inspire our faith and toward faithful action like Jonathan and his armour bearer.
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‘Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising 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.”’ (Matthew 28:18-20)
Those who trust in the authority of Christ will have the courage to obey His great Commission. In yesterday’s devotional we saw that Caleb described: ‘my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly’. He believed God’s promises rather than the fear and lies of the unfaithful spies. Likewise, we have been given a great promise and commission from Jesus. We have to choose whether to be faithful or reject Jesus’ word!
Jesus promises that He has ‘all authority in heaven and on earth’! He is king of king and Lord of Lords. His Kingdom rules over all. Earlier this week, we saw how Jonathan and his armour bearer were very daring for God because they concluded: ‘“Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.”’ (1 Samuel 14:6); they acted in faith because they believed in the authority, power and mercy of God. Likewise, Jesus’ words challenge us to take Him at His Word.
Do we believe that Jesus has, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth’? Are we allowing this truth to release us into faithful action? How can we ‘go and make disciples of all nations, baptising 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’? How will you go and help people to become Christians? How will you teach new Christians? How will you be involved according to the gifts and opportunities that God has given to you?
As we finish, let me remind you of the words we read regarding Jonathan and his armour bearer; notice how they beautifully compliment Jesus’ words in The Great Commission;
‘Jonathan said to his young armour-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.”’ (1 Samuel 14:6)
Like these heroes, let’s believe in the authority, power, mercy and faithfulness of Jesus to back us up as we seek to obey Him.
Community group notes and study
1. Notices
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
2. Icebreaker
How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week and how has this helped you?
3. Worship together
Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.
4. Study and pray together
Our message on Sunday reflected on the faith of Jonathan and his young armour bearer. Against the odds, and in contrast to the passivity of his father and others, they are revealed as faithful and willing to serve God against the odds. Together, they ‘go over’ because they believe in the power and promises of God.
Please read 1 Samuel 14:1-14
Did God speak to you about anything specifically from Sunday’s message?
What would you say are the main teaching points of this passage?
14:6 - What truths inspired the faith of Jonathan and his young armour bearer?
14:6-7 - Why is partnership or community vital for this kind of faith? What does Hebrews 10:24 to 25 have to say on this subject?
Are there any specific ways that you need to ‘go over’ - take new steps of faith?
SIV - What does this story teach us about successful mission?
SIV - Do we have any stories of how we have ‘Served, Invested, and inVited’ recently?
SIV - Spend some time together talking and praying about who and how you are seeking to bring your community to Jesus.
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