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His last command is my first concern

The social media today is filled with incredible amount of fake news. I have mentioned before that when it became easy for people to forward messages through SMS, we discovered the meaning of something going viral. The term coined by the medical fraternity had suddenly found new meaning. It takes effort to verify something and that is what we must do before we circulate new information that we receive. Likewise, the disciples were very unbelieving when told the news that Jesus had risen from the dead. They needed to verify its authenticity.  But, should they have been surprised?

Mark 16:6-7
But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.”

Many times over Jesus told the disciples that He will be killed but He will rise again. He even told them that they should meet Him in Galilee. No, all they did was mourn His death. Are you still in a state of disbelief? He is risen! Don't doubt any longer. It is verified by many because He appeared to them after His resurrection.  Come to Jesus and follow Him. This news is real and can be verified.

He has some last words to say, or command.  And He goes on to say what is characteristic of a person who goes out to preach the gospel.

Mark 16:15-18
And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

Father, you are risen indeed and your last command is my first concern.  Let me demonstrate all the things that you mentioned as I present the gospel message.

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