Go on! Get out of here!” The guest preacher had
promised to share his favorite benediction. What a
startling conclusion to a formal worship service! But Jesus
specializes in startling conclusions, and Matthew makes it
clear throughout his Gospel that following Jesus is not for
those who want a static, cloistered faith. We must be willing
to get going!

Today, just five days after celebrating the miracle of
Resurrection, we commit anew to going on the way with
Jesus as a denomination. “Therefore, go” remains central to
our mission as The United Methodist Church, and we have
the opportunity to pledge ourselves fully to that mission as
we begin our General Conference prayer journey together.
What will this meeting accomplish? What difference will
it make to the world? How will we stay true to our mission?
With Easter music still ringing in my ears, I am suddenly
aware of the unlimited, unimagined power of God
and prayer.

“Therefore, go” is also central to my faith as a disciple
of Jesus Christ. Too often I try to regard discipleship as
another item on my to-do list. Go out there, make a disciple
or two, check it off my list, and move on to the next task!
Throughout worship at General Conference, we’ll explore
how Matthew’s Gospel reveals an “in it for the long haul”
element to our going with Jesus. We do not know what we
will encounter on the way. But there is good news: Jesus
will be with us, with our church, and with the world for the
entire journey. Let’s get started!
By Laura Jaquith Bartlett from The Upper Room: 60 Days of Prayer for General Conference 2016