What is Missional? Part 3
This is the last installment of our discussion about What does Missional Mean? Last month we saw that Jesus commanded his disciples (and by extension all Christians) to go in to all the world and make disciples, teaching them to obey everything that Jesus commanded. We saw that the summary of that teaching is Jesus is King, and Life is Different in the Kingdom.
It is important to understand the entire context of the Gospels- Jesus came as the King, showed us what his reign is like, and then was wrongly executed because he claimed to be King. Yet this happened so that all of creation could come into right relationship with God again.
Jesus did not respond to their violence with violence, but instead shows how authority is meant to be used, and what greatness really is.
In the Gospel of Matthew Jesus gives a New World Order; not one that overturns the teachings of the Law of Moses, but one that gets down the to the heart of the matter. What God said in the Law and the Prophets Jesus hammers home to his listeners. What was the point of the Law and the Prophets?
God Called Israel to show who God was to the WORLD.
Jesus showed us what that looks like with his perfect life. We are to be perfect, as our Heavenly Father is perfect. We are to love our enemies, and pray for those who ridicule us. We are to seek out and serve the ones who are weak, lost, burdened, small, overlooked. We are to think of others more highly than we think of ourselves. Those who follow God must do so in every aspect of their life, not just with their mouth. If one is to be a disciple, or follower, of Jesus it must be complete. The communities of disciples (the Church) ought to be places that completely follow Jesus as well.
Scripture reveals the person of God (Father, Son, and Spirit) in order to show us where God walks and how God acts. Scripture is meant to shape us into the image of God. This knowledge must affect our lives. Once we know where Jesus went, to be a disciple we must follow. We cannot do this alone, it is only by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the community of saints that we are able to follow after Christ.
Transformation must happen in relationship. When we become a disciple of God’s, when we answer Jesus’ call to “follow me” we are entering into a relationship for the purpose of transforming our lives into the image of God. We declare that God is the ruler of all that we are, and we no longer desire to live in rebellion to God. This love is a gift from God. It saves us from our condemnation to hell, and it also saves us from lives lacking in meaning. We, as the community of God’s Children, have an eternal purpose, to continue the work of Christ in the world.
Each and every one of us that professes Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior has been given the command to show the world who God is.
God equips and empowers us to do the work we are Called to do. How has God equipped you to show love to those around you? Some are equipped and called to share the love of God to people in far off countries. Some are called to show the love of God through fishing trips, or writing cards, or baking cookies, or gardening, or being a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on.
Sharing the Love of God is not meant to be a strange and unique task. “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Col. 3:17) God has uniquely prepared each of you to show someone the Love of Christ. The Holy Spirit has equipped and empowered you to be a witness pointing them to Jesus. Who is that person? How are you going to show them that God loves them? Be Brave and Go with God!