We’re not talking about pulling teeth, folks! But I do need to tell you about losing an old friend the other day.
According to Dr. Erik Wipf, Good Old #15 became a permanent fixture in my mouth around 65 years ago.
That second molar was apparently damaged 45 years ago when I had all four wisdom teeth extracted by my dentist in Pasadena.
Unbeknown to me, the root of No. 15 was partially removed when its long-standing neighbor, No. 16, was forcibly removed.
An endodontist was able to save the tooth, but the bone replacing the missing root finally gave way some 35 years later.
That’s enough on my teeth.
Instead, let’s discuss a final command of Jesus found in Matthew 28:18-20:
“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority on heaven and earth has been given to me. 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.’”
Those are the final words in the Gospel of Matthew.
Here’s the point I want to share with all you Christians out there in the audience:
God wants all who follow Him to be involved in the process of making disciples. You don’t have to be a professional.
In fact, those who gladly share the good news of Christ’s death, burial, resurrection and ascension are oftentimes the most effective in bringing the unconvinced to the saving grace of Christ. Yet many think it’s like pulling teeth!
In 1 Peter 3:13-17, the apostle talks about the perceived fear we all can feel in taking on the task of witnessing to the unconvinced.
Years ago, I memorized verse 15, which I believe is foundational to those who want to be used by the Holy Spirit in the discipling process.
Listen to that one verse: “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect …”
That does require genuine commitment.
These are interesting times, and I believe Jesus could well return very soon. With that in mind, we need to seriously consider that people may well come up to us looking for answers to the circumstances they may well consider insurmountable.
The Holy Spirit will provide the proper words and actions you must take to demonstrate the love of Christ and the hope that can only come through trusting Him.
Yes, I’m certain God expects you to be properly prepared for those lost souls in search of the Truth. Fortunately, He doesn’t expect us to simply wing it. We have His Word and we need to immerse ourselves in it.
He has also given us His Holy Spirit dwelling in us, and He will give us the words and compassion they need to hear.
As noted in 2 Peter 1:10-11:
“Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election secure. For if you do these things, you will never fail, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”