March Forth

Today is March fourth.

The only date that is also a sentence. This fun fact is new to me. I’m kind of super amazed by this, I’ll admit. And I’m also missing the beach, so I scrolled through my pictures from a beach trip this time last year and found this glorious bird marching forth by the sea.

We too are to march forth! Courageously, boldly. At times, shaking in our boots. But marching forth nonetheless. Where to? Well, our neighborhoods and the nations. Our workplaces, schools and playgrounds. The markets and on vacation. Close to home and over the ocean. The answer is wherever we’re going.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” Acts 1:8 NLT

We see in scripture that we are to be God’s witnesses in all the places. Our marching orders are to talk about God’s goodness throughout our own version of Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth. For me, that looks something like my hometown of Wildwood, and the greater St. Louis area or perhaps the midwest, and across the tracks into places I’m less comfortable going, and to the nations.

There’s another snapshot in scripture of our marching orders found in Matthew 28:18-20. Jesus commanded each one of us to be and make disciples as we are going, everywhere we’re going.

“Then Jesus approached them and told them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, as you go, disciple people in all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything that I’ve commanded you. And remember, I am with you each and every day until the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 ISV

There is it. Our marching orders.

So whether your sights are set on the beach today or instead you’ll be sitting in front of countless Zoom meetings again, whether you’re chasing littles through the house or headed out all masked up into the great unknown, MARCH FORTH, my friend. 

With Jesus at our side (there was a promise in that verse, after all), let’s go boldly into all the places, seeking the opportunity to tell others about Jesus. And when the opportunity presents itself, let’s invite them to join us in this glorious discipleship adventure, pursuing and being pursued by God together.

#smallbachdiscipleship

Have you considered the Great Commission to be your “marching orders” before?

Where are you going today?

How does it give you courage to know that God is right there at your side?