The Command From Heaven
Matthew 28:19, 20

We build big beautiful churches with cushioned pews, air-conditioned auditoriums, robed choirs, and well-trained preachers and then advertise, 'Come and hear," when all the time God says "Go and tell." There is nothing wrong with all of these, if we are obeying the command, "Go ye therefore..." (v. 19). The Christian does not need to pray about whether to witness or not; the command has been given, it needs to be heard and heeded, "To refuse to witness of a saving gospel to a lost world day by day is nothing short of high treason, spiritual rebellion and inexcusable disobedience to God's holy command" (Scarborough). God's commands are not a smorgasbord to choose what one wants and leave the rest.

Who is to go? Who is to witness? "Ye!" Don't throw this verse to the missionaries like a a bone to a dog and say go to it. This means "You" as much as "My God shall supply all your need." (Phil. 4:19) means you. If every believer would claim this verse as much as he does Rom. 8:28, the world would be evangelized in a few short years. Every baseball team could use the superb player who plays every position, never makes an error, nor strikes out. The only trouble is you cannot get him to come out of the grandstand and get in the game. Many want church growth without personal involvement.

Notice the command is to go to "all nations." Of course, this means every individual, for "the Lord...is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9, italics mine). He wants His Gospel to reach "to the uttermost part of the earth" (Acts 1:8). Every believer should be concerned about getting the gospel to his neighbor, the service station attendant, the one next to him on the bus or train, the clerk in the store, the mailman.

Look what we are to teach new converts: "to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you" (v. 20). The first thing commanded is "Go ye." Too often it is made last! Teach doctrine but this as well. "He that hath my commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me" (Jn. 14:21), "And his commandments are not grievous" (1 Jn. 5:3).