October 9 — "Finished Yet Unfinished"

Today's Reading: Matthew 28

At the center of Matthew 28:19–20 is a jaw-dropping truth: God hasn’t finished His work upon the Earth. Yes, Jesus completed His mission, but now—drumroll, please—it’s our turn to step into ours. On the cross, Jesus declared, “It is finished” (John 19:30), and oh yes, it truly was—sin paid in full, death crushed, salvation locked in for eternity.

Then, after His glorious resurrection, Jesus turned to His disciples and handed them their divine marching orders: “Go, reach the lost and make disciples.” The very work He modeled during His time on Earth now becomes the sacred calling of every Gospel-loving, Jesus-following, Spirit-led believer.

Let it sink in: the Earth quaked, the temple curtain split like a ripped-up contract, the sky went pitch black, and then—BOOM—the tomb exploded with life. Heaven was shouting from the rooftops: salvation is DONE. But Jesus didn’t say, “Kick back, you’re good now,” or “Enjoy the vibes,” or “Stay comfy.” Nope. He said, “Go.” He called us to suit up, show up, and step onto the field. Baptizing, teaching, discipling—these aren’t spectator sports. They’re the ongoing mission of the body of Christ, fueled by His Spirit and bursting with purpose.

So what does this mean for us? It means our faith can’t be tucked away like grandma’s china—pretty but unused. Jesus calls us to live bold, intentional, outward-facing lives—making disciples in our homes, neighborhoods, workplaces, and yes, even across oceans if He leads. When you share a Bible verse with your kids, lift up a struggling co-worker, pray with your neighbor, or support a missionary—you’re stepping into the Great Commission. Jesus nailed His part (literally); now He invites us to play ours with passion and purpose.

And here’s the best part: we’re not flying solo. Jesus wraps His command with a promise: “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” The same power that cracked open the grave walks with us as we carry out His mission. Our job isn’t to save the world—that’s already been handled. Our job is to announce to the world that it’s salvation has been accomplished and to invite people into the supernatural, joy-filled journey of salvation and discipleship.

So, beloved, may the Lord ignite in you a fresh fire to embrace your role in His magnificent mission. May you feel the thrill of partnering with the risen Christ, and may His presence fill you with courage, creativity, and love as you carry His finished work to a world that’s waiting with open hearts. Amen.