Beyond Church Walls – Joining Jesus on His Mission
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
(John 1:14 ESV)
On Ash Wednesday our pastor challenged us to read “Joining Jesus on His Mission” during Lent. The title was intriguing enough for me to pick up a copy at our church office. The subtitle of the book reads “How to Be an Everyday Missionary”. Me? A Missionary? Not in a million years! I am to chicken to go on a mission.
But here is the point of the book: we are already in a mission field. In our everyday life; right where we live, work, or go to school. It is not necessarily just sharing God’s Word, but by living what Jesus was teaching when He dwelt amongst us. However, we are forgetting to be the “church” once we leave church after worship.
We, as followers of Jesus, are invited to be on a mission with Him and not for Him. We are His hands and feet to love, encourage, and support people who have lost hope, joy and peace. Many people in the United States are not part of a church. They may have had a ‘bad experience’ or have other reasons to not wanting to belong to ‘organized religion’.
However, the truth is that many unchurched Americans/Europeans are longing to find hope in something or someone. If you have ever been in a book-store or search online for ‘self-help’ books, you will find a million-and-one choices. And the truth is that hope can be found with God through Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself reached out to the ones outside the church and marginal groups. He dined with women and tax collectors. He invited untrained men to join Him on His mission.
“While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.” (Matthew 4:18-22 ESV)
My dear friends, we are called to be a missionary. Not only in foreign lands, but also where we are. In our own backyard. Let us join Jesus on His mission to share about the hope and joy that can be found through our loving God.
Lord of mercy and grace. Show me how to become a better missionary among the people I live. I want to share the hope and truth that is found through You. May my life reflect the joy and peace that I have in You. In the precious name of Jesus. Amen.
So true, Iris. I can remember hearing a speaker once say, “You’re either a missionary or you’re a mess!” We’re all called to share the gospel and make disciples. Not just a select few. Thanks for this post, my friend.
Yes, it’s true. But I think we often forget that others watch us and how we react to difficulties in life. Our life and how we live it is part if our mission.
We had a missions’ banquet at our church last night. We talked about not only global outreach, but relevant, intentional, local ministry. Your blog was spot-on to where my heart and head and been all day! Thank you!