Well‑Ordered Instructions
Have you ever hastily skimmed through an instruction only to realize later that you would’ve benefitted had you taken the time to read it? I think most of us have. The truth is instructions can feel tedious. Yet they’re given for a reason. They serve a purpose. And we’re wise to pay attention to them and even wiser to follow them in the precise order they’re given.
This became clear to me recently as I was reading a familiar passage of Scripture—one I’ve read many times before. Yet somehow, in this most recent read‑through, I noticed what I now see as a well‑ordered instruction and one I believe is worth pausing to consider.
“Come, See, Go” (Matthew 28:6–7).
These words were included in the angel’s directives to two women just moments after a violent earthquake and the rolling away of the massive stone sealing Jesus’s tomb. Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary” were understandably shaken and confused. Yet unlike the guards who fled in fear, these faithful women stayed. And it’s a good thing they did, because by staying, they heard the angel’s reassuring words, “Don’t be afraid.” They received the announcement—“He has risen”—and they were also given clear, intentional instructions for what to do next. Although spoken to two individuals in a specific moment of history, these well‑ordered instructions remain incredibly relevant for Christ‑followers today.
Step One—Come
Come may seem simple, yet it involves faith and trust. It’s a divine invitation to move forward even when we do not fully understand. Come often requires stepping out of our comfortable places and into the mystery and the unexplainable as it did for the women at the empty tomb. For believers in Jesus in every generation, come is an opportunity to draw near to Him—to come with our questions, burdens, worries, fears, and doubts.
Like any first step, this one can feel scary. Yet forward motion is not possible without this first critical step. In fact, everything God calls us to do begins here with a surrendered heart that chooses to come.
Step Two—See
See, like come, may appear straightforward, yet there’s a significant difference between looking at something and truly seeing it. The see in this three‑part instruction implies more than a glance or a passing notice. It speaks of perception, understanding, and most importantly, experiencing the truth being revealed.
For the two women on that momentous morning, seeing meant looking into Jesus’s empty tomb and experiencing the reality of His resurrection for themselves.
Step Three—Go
Go is the goal, isn’t it? It’s the finale, the part we’re all eager to reach. We want to go, to share, to tell, to live on mission with Jesus. Going is good, true, and beautiful, fully aligned with the Great Commission.
Yet before we are ready to go, we must first come to Jesus in faith and trust, and then see and truly experience Him for ourselves. These first two steps aren’t optional; they are intentional, essential, and part of God’s well‑ordered instructions for our good. When we follow them, our going is strengthened with credibility, power, and perseverance.
Call to Action
So today, if you find yourself standing on the sidelines, timid or hesitant, the invitation is extended to you: Come just as you are.
If you carry questions or doubts, the invitation is to see—to experience Jesus for yourself.
And if you have already come and seen that He is good, remember that you’ve been called, commissioned, and empowered to go.
These are God’s well‑ordered instructions given for our good, and we’re blessed when we follow them.
Pray
Holy Jesus, thank you for inviting me to come to You and to see You for who You truly are—the risen Savior who reigns forever and lives in me. Thank You for the gift of Your well‑ordered instructions, given for my good and filled with blessing as I follow them. Strengthen me by Your Holy Spirit to go faithfully, joyfully, and boldly so others may encounter Your love through my life. Amen.
Reflect
Which step in God’s well‑ordered instructions—coming, seeing, or going—is Jesus inviting you to take in this season of your life?
My friends, your thoughts matter! I’d love to hear from you. Consider sharing your responses in the comment section below!