“Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw Him they worshiped Him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” – Matthew 28:16-20
College graduation “season” nears completion. Graduations ranging from kindergarten to high school will soon be upon us. Our eighth grade confirmation class families will be celebrating an important milestone in a few short weeks as well, the Rite of Confirmation.
With all of these “signs of the season” upon us, there is something you’ve been waiting for since we were blessed with two significant blizzards this past winter…SUMMER VACATION!
As we all prepare for the transitions unique to this calendar year as well as the routine transition of Spring to Summer, God directs us back to the foundation of our lives. The foundation I am speaking of is the Great Commission. This is what Christian life has been all about ever since the events of Ascension and Pentecost took place 2,000 years ago.
It is always helpful to remember God’s Word, particularly when Jesus is speaking. The Great Commission found at the end of the Gospel of Matthew finds practical application right here in 2015.
Think of it this way: September through May in our civilization tempts us to focus on everything, anything except the daily duty we have to fulfill the Great Commission in our homes, in our neighborhoods, in our conduct at school and work and wherever else we’re interacting with the whole world.
June through July in our civilization lures us and tempts us to “just relax for a while to clear our head” rather than remembering Jesus’ command to teach one another to observe (i.e. treasure, value above everything else, especially “just relax”).
Whether we are at home or at the beach – the Great Commission, the lifestyle of the Gospel is not something we take a vacation from. Why would we since it is our source of hope and identity in life, whether we are are at work or at play?
So when Memorial Day and summer vacation sneak up on us, may we continue to walk with Christ Jesus and remember all that He has commanded us.
Jesus promises that He is always with us. His victory over sin, Satan, Death and the Grave means everything to us. Shouldn’t that be reflected in how we spend our time, especially on Summer Vacation when we have more time to do what we want?
Open His Word, read, mark and inwardly digest Christ’s promises as families when the busyness of business season is replaced by the busyness of vacation season. We have the Great Commission for Summer Vacation and every time of the year: glorify God and SHARE Christ with the world so all might be saved in Christ Jesus alone, Amen!
