Disciples Go

Mark 16:15-20 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” 19 After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. 20 Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.
 
MARK has told us the disciples denied Jesus’ resurrection. Then he closes his gospel with a powerful affirmation of their faithful work to proclaim Jesus is Savior. What changed?
   Luke tells us the Scriptures transformed their minds. Luke 24:45 Then Jesus opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. When we understand the Scriptures, we know God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We understand his is the eternal God, who has sent Jesus as a sacrifice for our sins. Knowing the Scriptures, the disciples became apostles, messengers of Jesus’ saving power. They faithfully responded to, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.”
   We need to know that today, don’t we? Sometimes we can become too focused on a particular speaker or ministry and lose sight of Scripture. The Bible is God’s gift to his creation. Without God’s Word how could we know God?
   Is it possible to say, “I’m a Christian. But I don’t read the Bible?” Now, I know there are many of you who live in countries where Bibles are scarce. One reason we write these lessons is to help pastors and church members who have no Bible to use these daily Scriptures as their reference point.
   But those who have no Bible still must make an effort to go to people who do have a Bible. Read and learn Scripture together. The Bible is one of God’s means of grace, a way he has lovingly taught us of himself. We must receive it as his life-giving treasure. It is our guide to know where and how to obey Jesus’ command to go where the Spirit points us to deliver God’s grace to a world in great need.      Scripture became the disciples’ way of life. Scripture is the reason their doubt became boldness. Scripture is the reason they could heal and resurrect physical lives. Scripture is the reason they could preach, “Repent, call on the name of Jesus and be saved.” Scripture changed them, so they would use Scripture to change the world.
   Whatever you’re seeking from God, begin with knowing Scripture. The Living Word will show you how to faithfully follow Jesus.