Go Teach All Nations
703
in their own or a foreign language, became pure, simple, and accurate,
both in word and in accent.
[822]
Thus Christ gave His disciples their commission. He made full
provision for the prosecution of the work, and took upon Himself the
responsibility for its success. So long as they obeyed His word, and
worked in connection with Him, they could not fail. Go to all nations,
He bade them. Go to the farthest part of the habitable globe, but know
that My presence will be there. Labor in faith and confidence, for the
time will never come when I will forsake you.
The Saviour’s commission to the disciples included all the believ-
ers. It includes all believers in Christ to the end of time. It is a fatal
mistake to suppose that the work of saving souls depends alone on
the ordained minister. All to whom the heavenly inspiration has come
are put in trust with the gospel. All who receive the life of Christ
are ordained to work for the salvation of their fellow men. For this
work the church was established, and all who take upon themselves its
sacred vows are thereby pledged to be co-workers with Christ.
“The Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth
say, Come.”
Revelation 22:17
. Everyone who hears is to repeat the
invitation. Whatever one’s calling in life, his first interest should be to
win souls for Christ. He may not be able to speak to congregations,
but he can work for individuals. To them he can communicate the
instruction received from his Lord. Ministry does not consist alone in
preaching. Those minister who relieve the sick and suffering, helping
the needy, speaking words of comfort to the desponding and those of
little faith. Nigh and afar off are souls weighed down by a sense of
guilt. It is not hardship, toil, or poverty that degrades humanity. It
is guilt, wrongdoing. This brings unrest and dissatisfaction. Christ
would have His servants minister to sin-sick souls.
The disciples were to begin their work where they were. The
hardest and most unpromising field was not to be passed by. So every
one of Christ’s workers is to begin where he is. In our own families
may be souls hungry for sympathy, starving for the bread of life. There
may be children to be trained for Christ. There are heathen at our very
doors. Let us do faithfully the work that is nearest. Then let our efforts
be extended as far as God’s hand may lead the way. The work of many
may appear to be restricted by circumstances; but, wherever it is, if
performed with faith and diligence it will be felt to the uttermost parts