It was D-day, June 6, 1944. The Allies had landed troops on the beaches of Normandy, France. All the beaches had been overcome except for one that came to be known as “Bloody Omaha” beach. General “Dutch” Cota was with his men on the beach and they were penned down. He finally stood up and told the men crouched down in the sand “There are only two types of men who will be on this beach. Those who are dead and those who going to die. They are killing us here, we might as well let them kill us inland…get up and let’s go.” And they did and they pushed inland. But then something happened that no one had seriously considered. All the young men fighting that day had been trained to fight their way through the beaches, but didn’t really have much training in what they were to do next. General Cota moved up with the men and as he moved inland he found an infantry unit held up by a house that was heavily fortified by German soldiers. He asked the men why they were just waiting there and he was told that they didn’t know exactly what to do next. The General asked for a number of hand grenades, explained to the group what they were going to do and to follow him and do what he did. They rushed the house with yelling, firing of weapons and tossing in the grenades. When all was secure Cota turned to the men and said “Now you know how to do it. Remember what I taught you…I can’t be doing this for everyone today!” I love that account and it actually makes me think of something that Jesus said. He told all his “soldiers” to go and make disciples of all nations. And then teach them to obey all the commands he has given us. That’s called discipleship. We show others the Christian life by the way we live. We have them charge ahead with us. And then it is their turn to not only live the life that Jesus commands us, but to teach others how to move forward and how to obey all the commands that he has given us.
Discipleship…that’s the task of the follower of Jesus today. Do it, demonstrate it and then send them out. That’s the job that our commander has given us. So…go out and make disciples of all nations…anyone who will follow this Jesus with you. Here’s our Bible verse for today…
Matthew 28:18-20 NLT Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. (19) Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. (20) Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Remember I’m praying for you!
With love, PJ
Discipleship…that’s the task of the follower of Jesus today. Do it, demonstrate it and then send them out. That’s the job that our commander has given us. So…go out and make disciples of all nations…anyone who will follow this Jesus with you. Here’s our Bible verse for today…
Matthew 28:18-20 NLT Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. (19) Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. (20) Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Remember I’m praying for you!
With love, PJ
Posted in Daily Devotionals