Matthew 28:18-19
Stop.
Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Consider the word “disciple”. Take a few minutes to thank God for the opportunity to follow, learn from, and worship God.
Listen.
And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” – Matthew 28:18-19
Reflect.
Because of this passage, called the Great Commission, we make sure to name God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit every time we baptize someone. Just before he ascended into heaven, Jesus gave these instructions to his followers. Therefore, two thousand years later, we continue to do what he asked, even though we don’t always understand it.
Baptism is one of the places we carefully and intentionally name the Triune God in our worship. Tomorrow, we celebrate Holy Trinity Sunday, when we recognize and rejoice in our God’s triune nature. Sometimes, it feels like we don’t have a lot to go on if we want to understand what it really means for God to be a trinity. A mention like this one in Matthew, and directly from Jesus, feels like an affirmation of what we believe. We cling to and use these passages to remind us of what we do know, especially recognizing the weight of what we don’t know.
The God we follow has shown us God’s full nature as Creator, Savior, and Spirit. Sometimes, it can be tough to be a disciple of something you don’t fully understand. When we baptize someone into this faith, it’s humbling to admit to that person – and to ourselves – that a life of faith isn’t easy or clear. But faith doesn’t always mean answers. Sometimes, faith means space to have questions. In the Trinity, we have space for questions about God’s nature as well as comfort that God will continue to be revealed in worship, sacrament, community, and God’s own word in scripture.
Pray.
God, I want to follow you. I don’t always know what that means. Sometimes, I even wonder who you are. Show yourself to me, continue to teach and guide me, and hold me close as I continue to serve you as your disciple in the world. Amen.
Carry On.
Think back on your week. What were the times you really felt like you understand where God was leading you? Take time to thank God for that. When were you feeling more confused or lost? Take time to ask God to grant you clarity.