There is a word that Albanians use called Amanet. An Amanet is a term used to describe a person’s last words. These words are very important and are honored by all who hear them. We Americans have something similar we call the last will and testament. Although a last will and testament is more of a legal term for a person’s dying wishes formally written out on paper. Whereas, an Amanet is more of a verbal expression and not always used for just when a person dies. An Amanet can be used when a person is about to go away on a journey, going off to battle, or leaving anywhere for a long period of time. Albanians take Amanets very seriously and when someone is giving an Amanet, everyone listens intently because they know it is important and will likely affect them in some way or another. Amanets are specific and are to be implemented if any action is required. This may entail watching over a child or grandchild, caring for a sick or ailing family member, watching over his/her property or valuable possessions, making amends with an enemy, or delivering an important message to someone. If Amanets are not honored, it is shameful to not only the person giving it, but those who didn’t honor it.

Jesus, just prior to His ascension to be with the Father gave us an Amanet.  He was going off for a long journey. And, someday He will return. His Amanet is very specific and is meant to be implemented and honored by all those who hear His words. Here is Jesus’ Amanet to us:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:17-20)

This Amanet, commonly known as The Great Commission is not something we can choose to honor or take lightly. Sure. It’s not an easy command. It takes risk, it requires work, humility, inconveniences, and possibly for some… persecution. It took me a long time before I began to realize any of this. I thought the Great Commission was reserved for those, “special holy” people. The Mother Theresas, the Francis of Assissis, the William Careys, the John Wesleys.  Instead, it’s a command that is to be honored, obeyed, and implemented by all who read or hear it... including you and me.

So, here is my Amanet for you: Honor and obey Jesus’ command to go. Whether it’s to the jungles of South America, or the concrete jungles of downtown Houston. Whether it’s to the impoverished villages of Honduras, or the poor communities of south Chicago. Nevertheless, I adjure you to consider these things and ask God not when, but where He wants you to go and serve now.