Teaching Them to Observe

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations . . .” were some of Jesus’ last words. On several prior occasions Jesus had explained that no one could be His disciple unless he forsook everything, hated his own life also, and took up his cross and denied himself.

This tells us what a great work it is to make disciples out of people and teach them to observe all the things that Jesus has commanded. Have you met anyone who is engaged in such a work in our days?

There are many people who have the ministry of getting people to believe in the forgiveness of their sins and to seek God when they are in need so they can receive help and blessings; once they have helped them to get to that point, they are satisfied. Their further work is to strengthen them and preserve them in that faith, which can often be a difficult task.

Jesus answered someone who wanted to follow Him but who first wanted to bid farewell to those at home: “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62. Who has faith to say something like this to someone who wants to be along? The Scriptures teach us that only the few are fit for the kingdom of God, but there are many who are fit for seeking God for help in their difficulties. When Israel came into need, the whole nation repented, but once God had helped them, they went their own ways again. There are many large assemblies in these days that have no other interests than seeking God so they will not be lost and so that He will help them in their earthly difficulties. These kinds of people pay a host of preachers to strengthen them in their faith in God, who is gracious to them and will help them in spite of their bad life and will not remember their sins for Jesus’ sake.

Who is there who can teach people to observe all things He has commanded us? And who is there who is fit to be a disciple?

Sigurd Bratlie