Recently I observed the preparation of a major concert. To watch the coming together of vocalists of international fame combined with a full orchestra with one of the greatest conductors along with all the proper lighting and props was amazing. It was enjoyable to see great composers on stage doing each other’s music. You had keyboards, electric guitars, and percussion along with all the stringed instruments. I couldn’t help but notice the concert grand piano and a beautiful harp in the background. Then you add in all the production crew for recording on national television. One cannot ignore the majestic concert hall that was maintained and prepared for events such as this. I honestly marveled at what I was watching and wished slightly that I could have been a part in some little way.

Of course there are many events that take this kind of organization and cooperation to complete, whether it is a space mission or the conducting of business by an international company. It may even be the operation of your local grade school or even a family in this fast paced world.

I cannot help notice this sort of effort as I look at God’s Word, as we see so many individuals involved. The best example is portrayed as Jesus states emphatically, “Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things, whatsoever I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the age.” That is actually recorded in Matthew 28:19-20.

Jesus said it again in Acts 1:8 in just a little different fashion. In this fervent request to evangelize, he told his followers to first start in their own neighborhood. Don’t forget the people next door. He then said after you have reached to Jerusalem, aim for Judea—the people down the road a stretch. I believe He was really warning here. For today, we must be very cautious that in our endeavor to “reach the world” we pass by a big part of it. Oh, what a mistake. We should use our resources wisely. Jesus then says to go to Samaria. For those in Jerusalem, this would definitely be a “cross culture” experience, as the Samaritans were considered to be that people group that had problems. It is interesting that these people again were not that far away in distance. The Jews of that day despised anything that would force them to rub shoulders with this “lot” of down and outers. But yet Jesus placed them on the roadmap of world evangelism. Today we don’t have to look far to find the Samaritans in our lifestyle. And finally in verse eight of Acts chapter one, Jesus says last but not least minister to the uttermost ends of the world. These are the words that are the directive of what we call the Great Commission. This is written for all believers and truthfully it is not an option in our walk with Christ.

To orchestrate this mission that is laid out before us will require passion and a coming together to see the necessary goals played out. One might say that the Great Commission must also become the Great Co-mission in order to reach the fullest destiny. To accept the commission from Christ and to allow it to be the fire that burns within us will create the passion that is needed. For as true as fire is, nothing temporal or fleeting will survive. And as that fire burns within us, fueled by God’s Holy Word and stoked by the Holy Spirit, the worthless things that will often consume us will be consumed.

The coming together of believers of like mind will become the Great Co-mission as we see that the end goal as giving to us by God in His Word will be all that counts.

The Book of Acts in the New Testament demonstrates the coming together of so many to do just that. Just days after Jesus ascended into heaven the disciples went into action. In Acts 2:14, it is recorded that Peter standing with the eleven, stated, “You men of Judea and all that dwell in Jeruselem…” Together they proclaimed the simple message of the Gospel as recorded in verse 21. Due to that message, 3000 souls were added to the kingdom of Heaven.

Joining the disciples in the Great Co-mission were the likes of Paul, Barnabas, Luke, Silas, Lydia, Timothy, Dorcas, Pricilla and Aquila and Timothy. There were the first chosen deacons of which we certainly remember Stephen and his wonderful message as he stood on the brink of martyrdom. As amazing as Peter’s first sermon to that huge crowd we read of Philip’s one on one encounter with the Ethiopian leader in Acts chapter 8.

There were those who prayed. How can one forget the surprise when God demonstrated His power and released Peter from prison and certain death in Acts 12? Verse 5 states that prayer was made without ceasing by the church to God for him. God was more than faithful to this early congregation of Christians and answered their prayer even though their faith was small.

How can one not notice the generosity of the believers at Antioch as recorded in chapter 11. When they heard of people in need due to famine, the Christians gave according to their resources to those in the straits of hunger and pain.

In chapter 13, we read of the earnest backing and prayer of those that went on the first missionary journey. Even though they were not on the front lines, they fasted and prayed and gave their support to those that would be taking the message to the world beyond.

In chapter 15 we read of those that were willing to tackle the tough tasks that come with a developing outreach. The business side of things must be taken care of as well. It calls for huge cooperation rather than simple compromise. The issues are too great to ignore.

One cannot overlook the personal side of outreach. Lydia in chapter 16, verse 15 invited the missionaries to her home for rest and refreshment. Others such as Pricilla and Aquila gave of their business to further the message of Jesus to the world.

We read of Apollos in chapter 18 and how God used this man in a mighty way as he spoke eloquently of the Scriptures. Notice the different styles God used? Peter was bold and sometimes brash. Paul didn’t cut any corners. Barnabas was an encourager. Luke didn’t say much. He was the recorder as he was the author of this historical book.

Peter and John had the experience. They had been there from the beginning. Mark and Timothy were the new kids. Remember, God still had a plan for Mark even after he messed up. God used Barnabas to encourage this young man to stop running and stand firm.

So much more could be accounted for on the cooperation to carry out the commission; The Great Co-mission. It must continue today as we are on this earth to carry the message to the world around us. God has given us different gifts and abilities and thus different positions for us to cooperate together to bring together. Perhaps we can say to orchestrate the most important piece of all eternity….

A Masterpiece.

The Master’s Piece.

The Great Co-mission.