JUST THINKING: The Come and God of the Gospel

      I have always been fascinated with words. As a result, I was just thinking about two important words in the New Testament — “come” and “go.”

The Word “Come”

      The invitation Jesus extended to Simon Peter and Andrew is one believers today have also received: “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, and I will send you out to fish for people” (Matt. 4:19 NIV). It is an invitation to learn from Jesus and carry the gospel to others, and it requires a response. “At once they left their nets and followed him” (Matt. 4:20 NIV). Christian, that is a response of obedience, which is an integral portion of the Great Commission.

         Another invitation is extended to believers who are weary, worried and worn. It is an invitation to find rest. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden light” (Matt. 11:28-30).

      Then there is the assuring promise of our Lord Jesus. After He had the final Passover with His disciples, He told them, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:1-3 NIV).

      In every situation I’ve mentioned, Jesus does something for us. What we need to do is obediently respond to Him. He has called us to Him, and He wants us to go for Him.

The Word “Go”

      Every believer in Christ has the marching order from our Lord to go. It’s our responsibility to carry the gospel of Christ to our world. Sometimes that means putting forth extra effort. A testimony of humility goes a long way in impacting others with the gospel. Jesus said, “If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles” (Matt. 5:41 NIV).

      Going the extra mile often means we do so with those unknown and in uncomfortable settings. The practice of loving our enemies is one of the most difficult decisions when it comes to going for the Lord.

      There was a time during Christ’s ministry when many disciples deserted Him. Jesus asked the 12 if they would also leave Him. “Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God” (John 6:68-69). That was a positive response — one of obedience to the Master’s command to go.

      You and I have the same command, Christ’s marching order, to carry the good news to others who need salvation so badly. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age” (Matt. 28:19-20).

      The “come and go” of the gospel demands responses from believers today.