Have you ever thought about how the English language communicates something to be a command? Imagine the outcome of misunderstanding if a parent says to their child, “Take out the garbage,” and the child mistakenly interprets it as a request and optional (like, “Have some ice cream.”) when, actually, the parent intends it to be a command. Such ambiguity can lead to misunderstanding and big problems!
The ambiguity contained in English translations of the Greek New Testament can be problematic as well. For example, in John 1:43 Jesus finds Philip and says to him, “Follow me.” Is that a request or a command? Thanks to the imperative mood in the Greek language there is no ambivalence: Jesus isn’t asking, he is commanding, and when the Lord of the Universe commands, Philip had better obey! The study of these New Testament imperatives hidden by the English translation is enlightening.
So, what does that have to do with you and our Services Team? Simply put: we are under orders…and we may not even know it!
At the end of Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus instructs his disciples to “Go therefore and make disciples of panta ta ethnē” (all ethnic people groups), baptizing and teaching them. The Greek makes it clear Jesus is not making a request of his disciples but giving a command. Jesus’ Great Commission has only one imperative and could more accurately be translated, “By means of going, teaching, baptizing, make disciples (!) of all…” We, as followers of Jesus, are under orders: Make disciples of all people groups!
I’ve heard it said that, in relation to the Great Commission, “Some people go, some people make it possible to go, and some people let go.” Together we, as the Services Team, and you, as pray-ers and donors, help make it possible for those called of God to go and serve in the places of their callings. Making it possible for some to go is a high calling and our collective response to the command of Jesus to make disciples!
Finally, it is no wonder that Christ’s last command was to “make disciples of all nations.” A few chapters earlier Jesus told the disciples he was coming back when all ethnic people groups have had the gospel preached to them. (Matthew 24:14) So many have yet to hear! Come Lord Jesus!
In September we saw God at work among the people where WMPL workers serve and we have experienced the fullness of his provision. Thank you for joining us in this Kingdom work of making Jesus known among all peoples.
GOD’S PROVISION – SEPTEMBER 2024
| ALLOWANCE: Designated Support Funds: | $39,375 |
| General Support Fund: | $27,319 |
| Transfer from General Fund: | $0 |
| BENEFITS: Designated Support Funds: | $57,735 |
| Transfer from Estate Fund: | $0 |
| Donations to Benefits Fund: | $75 |
| Number of full-time worker units: | 26 |
| Worker Units with 100% allowance | 26 |
| Minimum allowance provided: | 100% |