After reading about Christopher Columbus and his Christianity, and in honor of Columbus Day, I thought the Great Commission might be appropriate.
Versions of the Great Commission are found in Mark 16: 14-18, Luke 24: 44-49, Acts 1:4-8, and John 20:19-23. Perhaps the most familiar version of the Great Commission is depicted in Matthew 28:16-20:
"Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on 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.' "
Writings in Columbus’ journal reveal his primary motives for sailing were his Christian convictions. He had a desire to preach the gospel throughout the nations, and in particular to take Christianity to the Great Khan of eastern Asia. About 200 years before Columbus’ voyage, Marco Polo, who had traveled throughout parts of Asia, brought word from the Khan of a desire for missionaries to be sent to his empire. Other Khans who had ruled since Polo’s time had also made this request. Columbus had studied the writings of Marco Polo’s travels and was also familiar with more recent requests for missionaries to be sent to teach the Christian religion.
Source:http://forerunner.com/forerunner/X0196_Columbus_Christian_C.html
Father, I thank You for this day and the opportunity to rest at home. I thank You for placing the desire in the hearts of men and women throughout the ages to spread the Gospel. The Great Commission is not without cost. Sometimes the cost is loss of family...sometimes it's the loss of life. Nevertheless, Jesus commanded us to go forth and preach the Gospel to this dying world. Help me to do my part in this Great Commission. I love You. Amen and amen.
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