The image above is a sunset over the harbor in Plymouth, MA. The bay is filled with pleasure and commercial boats. The waterfront is covered in numerous seafood restaurants and hotels. There are fish markets, tourist spots, and ice cream shops. There are also the memorials to the people and events that declare the history of the countries “hometown”.
The waterfront has changed radically in the 400 years since the Pilgrims first landed. But change is normal and expected. The choice to leave England and the life changes that resulted for the Pilgrims were radical and in many ways were a leap into the unknown. That is just how some changes in our lives are…radical, sudden, and extreme. Other changes are slow, barely noticeable, and nominal in magnitude. Regardless of the nature, scope, or magnitude of the change…it is still change. Everything seems to change…well, almost everything.
The instruction from the Lord to go and make disciples has stood the test of time. Since the day that Jesus spoke the words to the disciples in Matthew 28 and then again in Acts 1:8 the church has been called to go and make disciples. From Jerusalem, to Judea, to the ends of the earth we are to go. As we go we baptize and teach the Word. While each of our situations and lives may change, the mission never changes.
“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
The Lord will return. Guaranteed. That truth will never change either.
In the meantime we have a never changing responsibility, a God-given privilege, a high and amazing calling to share the truth of the Gospel wherever we are and whenever we can. The Holy Spirit equips, prompts, and guides our work…we just need to stay faithful and committed to the never changing mission.
