Standing on the Mountain

 Matthew 28: 16-20; Acts  1: 6-11 

The scene of the eleven disciples standing on the mountain with Jesus as he instructs them to carry on his ministry and then ascends into the clouds is a familiar one.  It represents the conclusion of his earthly ministry, and the beginning of the work of the disciples.

The scene is the model for all who seek to do his work, for in a true sense everyone is “Standing on the Mountain,” and receiving his instructions to “Go and Tell.” For the preceding three years the disciples had been in BASIC TRAINING.  That is what the church does through its avenues of preparation—worship, study, prayer.  These resources are basic training for the call to “Go and Tell.” How easy it is to forget who we are and what we are called to do.  

 Every person has a unique calling to share his/her experience of discipleship. There is no one else on earth that has the gifts you have.  As is stated in Psalm 139:14, “You are fearfully and wonderfully made.” Your uniqueness is your springboard to telling the story as you have experienced it. 

The kernel of truth in discipleship is found in Jesus’ words to “Love one another as I have loved you.”  It is understanding that he has loved us that we are able to love and accept ourselves and love others as he has loved us. In “Going into all the world,” we sometimes touch lives for which we are unaware.  Jesus’ call is “To Go.”  You are standing on the mountain.  Will you hear his call and go?