Daily Devotional : Embracing the Call

Scripture: Matthew 28:12–20

‘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.’ (Vv 18–20)

We place importance on someone’s final words. These are Jesus’ last words to his disciples. As such they are spoken to us as much as to his first followers. Jesus summarises all that’s essential for living the Christian life; and it’s pretty simple. The first thing to note is that he speaks with the authority of the creator of heaven and earth. So there is no greater authority than Jesus. Then we are told to look out for others and encourage them to join us in following Christ by being baptised and joining God’s family. Thirdly, this means accepting and living by the principles and practices Jesus lived and taught whilst on earth. Finally, the reassurance that we can never be separated from Jesus as we try to live his way.

Four simple steps to live the Christian life. It will mean we read God’s book, the Bible, regularly to remind ourselves of his teaching so that we can learn and practise God’s values and principles. We’ll also need to consider our attitude to others – friend and foe alike. We are now God’s representatives on earth and so God is judged by how we behave in every situation. Jesus died for everyone, so we can’t discriminate about who we’ll tell about God’s love. However, we’re not alone. God’s Spirit will always be with us, even when we mess up or lose sight of him. Let’s agree together that loving the Jesus way will be our goal over this next year.

Today Consider the four steps of practising the Christian life and how well you’re doing.

So our Action today. Decide where you can make improvements in how you are following Jesus so God is seen through both your attitude and behaviour.

Prayer: ‘Lord, I willingly choose to love and serve God in the four ways Jesus commanded. Amen’

Date: Monday April 8th

Scripture: Genesis 12:1–9

‘The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you;

I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.’ (Vv 1–2)

Journeying towards Pentecost, the disciples know Jesus is Risen but are conscious their lives are in danger. Given a message to communicate, they’re uncertain of how to present this message of hope. Like us they have a set of ideas very different from those accepted by most of society; their values are now in potential conflict with  how others prefer to live. In the various encounters with Christ before His ascension they continue to receive instructions about how they might live their new found faith successfully.(Luke 24:44–49). They also had Jesus’ life as an example.

We’re also invited to walk the Jesus way. God invites us to embrace three challenges. First, to learn that his, and therefore our, values are not the same as the surrounding culture in which we live. We must make choices about how we’ll live our lives. Choices that may mean we face criticism. This feels uncomfortable for each of us. Second, through building our friendship with God we discover we can hear his voice and like Abraham must decide if we will be obedient to his leadership. For Abraham and his family this meant life changing decisions and actions. But then Jesus is about changing lives for the best. Finally, we will never be able to know the end from the beginning. Again, Abraham set out not knowing where he was going. He simply learnt to trust God each step of the way (Heb. 11:8–12). This is how our faith grows.

Today Consider what following Jesus faithfully might cost you. Face your fears and uncertainties.

So our Action today. Look at the three challenges Jesus presents and decide how you will respond to each one. If you feel you’ve messed up previously, ask God’s forgiveness and move on.

Prayer: ‘Lord, I want to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and prove a faithful messenger of your word. Amen’

You can join the conversation, share your insights, or seek guidance on today’s devotional. Your questions and comments are a valuable part of our spiritual journey together. Please feel free to reach out at drmichajazz@outlook.com with your reflections or inquiries.

Rev Dr Micha Jazz PhD
Delmunach Christian Centre – Moray, Scotland
Grounded in Love, Rooted in Faith.
07526 188371
drmichajazz@outlook.com