Daily Devotional for Friday, November 24

The Third Appearance

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature,” Mark 16:15.

Military units receive what we term “marching orders.” This tells them where they are to go and how they are to get there. The phrase is so clear in its meaning that it has become common usage for any situation where the time has come to move forward because the mission and direction are both clear. Nothing else is needed, all necessary instruction has been given, and all necessary preparation made.

As this story begins, it seems that Jesus’ disciples are not quite on board with the entirety and full impact of the resurrection. In verse 14, we see Jesus issue a rebuke to those gathered for not believing others who had said the Lord was risen. So, Jesus made a personal appearance, issued marching orders and told them they had His power in them to accomplish this mission. What do we see later? The last verse of Mark tells us “they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen” (verse 20).

We may not have seen Jesus, but He lives in us by the Holy Spirit. We also have the historical accounts that came later in the stories of the disciples’ exploits to show us the power they had been given by their Lord. Today we may not be given miraculous gifts, since we no longer need them, but we have God’s Word to tell us all we need to know. You have your marching orders. Are you moving out or staying behind? There is a world full of lost sinners out there, and Jesus has told us to go and preach the gospel to them all. If we do not tell them, they will never know.

JUST A THOUGHT: Preach the gospel to every creature! That is quite simple.

Wally Fry