A story to tell
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 end of the age.”
Matthew 28:16-20
We have a story to tell. A story of a struggle against the powers and the principalities, against sin and death and the devil. A story in which our Lord Jesus Christ is victorious over all these things (Colossians 2:15) and shares that victory with ordinary people like you and me. What makes this story so compelling is the fact that this victory was a costly one that required sacrifice and suffering. On the cross Jesus took hold of all that would rob us of life, and He allowed Himself to be overcome by the power of sin, death, the devil and all the despairing havoc they wreak on our lives. But in His resurrection, He not only defeats these powers, but is ultimately exalted to the right hand of the Father “with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him” (1 Peter 3:22b). All authority in heaven and on earth have been given to Him, and He shares His victory and all its spoils with you and me. It really is quite a story!
As God’s people, sharing this story is not optional. It’s simply part of what we are called to do. It is such wonderful news that it is only natural that we would want those we know and love to be a part of it. So why do most of us find it so daunting? No doubt there are many reasons but it seems to me that a big part of it is that we get caught up in the false notion that the success or failure of sharing this story is largely our responsibility. We forget that we are charged with this task by the One to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given and we forget that He empowers this task through His Word.
In the Small Catechism explanation to the third article of the Creed Luther writes, “I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him, but the Holy Spirit has called me by the gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in true faith.”
What is true for each one of us, is also true for those with whom we share the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ. While we are called to share the story, it is God Himself who brings to faith and grants ‘success’ to our endeavours. As the church baptises and as God’s people teach all that Jesus commanded us, it is in fact God Himself who is at work, washing clean, creating faith and saving people.
So tell this marvellous story of salvation with confidence and joy! Not only have you been called to do so by the One who has been given all authority in heaven and on earth, but He is also at work in all your efforts, regardless of how polished they might be. And remember that this story is also for you and serves as a constant reminder that Jesus’ authority and victory over sin, death and the devil is yours for all eternity.
God bless and keep you strong in faith and in the joy of this good news,
Pastor Matt Anker