“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve. . . .”
— Mark 10:45
Last year I took a course with mission leaders from around the world. On the first day, we were asked this question: How would you describe the central, gospel message of the Bible? I spoke up with an answer that reflects my church tradition. A few others chimed in with their answers.
After several people had spoken, a classmate from Ethiopia gave an answer that many of us did not expect. She said, “I think the story of the Bible centers on the story of God as a servant.”
That got our attention. She went on to explain, “The Bible opens with God creating the world and caring for Adam and Eve. The rest of the Bible is the story of how God put into place a plan to serve the world through his Son, Jesus.” And then she pointed out this beautiful detail: “The Bible ends with a picture of the new Jerusalem, which we are told will not need the sun or moon because God provides the light” (Revelation 21:23). From the beginning into eternity, God serves the world and all who are in it. I had never heard the good news framed in that way, reflecting a different perspective and cultural context.
If Jesus came not to be served but to serve, how does that affect the way we live each day? How should it affect the way we live?
Servant God, I am humbled by your willingness to do whatever was necessary to rescue me. Help me in my life to be a reflection of your self-giving heart. Amen.
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Holistic: A Definition in Action
Jesus went throughout Galilee . . . healing every disease and sickness among the people.
— Matthew 4:23
This week let’s reflect on a word we might not hear very often: holistic. In mission work we generally define holistic in terms of people’s whole lives. We minister with our whole lives, and we care about the whole lives of the people we minister with.
It’s one thing to think about a definition. It’s a whole other thing to see it in action. That’s what we read about as Matthew 4 describes the ministry of Jesus. Imagine what it would have been like to experience Jesus’ work for yourself. No wonder the good news of Jesus spread everywhere!
All of the mission concepts we have been reflecting on this month show up in this passage: gospel (good news), witness, and holistic. Jesus proclaims the good news of the kingdom of God. People who experience Jesus witness to his goodness and bring others to meet him. And we see the holistic ministry of Jesus “healing every disease and sickness.” People are set free in every part of their lives.
Our theme verse for this month says: “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples” (Psalm 96:3). This is what holistic mission is all about.
What does it look like to introduce hurting people to Jesus and his marvelous deeds? We live in a world that desperately needs to experience the loving and healing touch of Jesus.
Jesus, thank you for caring about every part of our lives. Please bring healing to the broken areas of my life, and help me to be a channel of your healing presence to others. Amen.
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Sabbath: Contentment
Like a weaned child I am content.
— Psalm 131:2
The actor Jim Carrey once introduced himself at a Golden Globe awards show as a two-time winner of the award. Half-joking, he made a big deal of winning the award twice. Then he said, with a big smile, “When I go to sleep at night . . . I don’t just dream any old dream. No, sir. I dream about being three-time Golden Globe-winning actor Jim Carrey.” Then he paused, looking at the audience of famous actors and celebrities, and declared, “Because then I would be enough. . . . And I could stop this terrible search.” The audience laughed uncomfortably.
The video clip of that speech went viral because it touches on a vulnerability within many of us. In a society built around consumerism and prestige, our discontentment is easily stirred up. We are told again and again through all kinds of media that we are just one purchase or one achievement away from having complete satisfaction and happiness. Then we will have enough. And we will be enough.
Today, however, we celebrate God’s gift that reminds us that we already have everything we need in Christ. In Christ I am secure. In Christ my hope is found. In Christ I find my deepest contentment, like a weaned child with its loving mother.
May we seek and find that contentment in Christ today.
Lord Jesus, I confess my own issues of discontentment. Forgive me for not trusting that I already have everything I need from you to enjoy the fullness of life. Amen.
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Witness: Noticing God
My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long.
— Psalm 71:15
This week we have reflected on what it means to be a witness to God’s saving work. To be a witness is to simply tell about what you have seen and heard. As Christians, we believe that God is always at work around us, so our role is to bear witness to his presence and goodness.
I have an older soccer friend who grew up with a negative view of religion and has often sparred with me about my faith. Several years ago his wife developed dementia, and he spent years caring for her at their home until she recently passed away. In her final months he barely left the house; he was a constant presence at her side. He told me once that as hard as that was, he wouldn’t have wanted to do anything differently. As I thought about his deep faithfulness to his wife, it prompted me to say, “Rick, I know you may not agree with this, but your care for your wife makes me think about how much God cares for us.” He brushed me away. But he didn’t argue.
That interaction reminds me of how we can see God at work—if we pay attention. In addition, if we ask God to help us pay more attention to his work all around us, I wonder how much easier it might become to witness about God’s righteous deeds in our lives and in the lives of others.
God, you call me to declare your power and glory to others. May I see your hand at work in my daily life and in the lives of the people around me. Help me to notice and to bear witness to your greatness. Amen.
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Witness: God Speaking Through You
“At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”
— Matthew 10:19-20
Someone told me recently about an illustration that I used in a sermon several years ago. They said it made a helpful point that they have often shared with their kids through the years. It had to do with the consequences of our actions—if you pick up one end of a stick, you also pick up the other. They said I also used an actual stick to help make the point.
But I don’t remember using that illustration. I don’t even remember using the stick. But I expressed my gratitude that the illustration was helpful, even though I didn’t remember it.
Our passage today talks about the Lord’s promise that the Holy Spirit will give us the words to say when we need them the most. I believe this is true, even in situations when we are not being persecuted. If we lean on the Holy Spirit, God can use our words to breathe life, encouragement, and conviction into the hearts of others. God can use our words to bring exactly what someone needs in that moment—even if we don’t remember everything we have said.
Let’s pray that God will give us his words if we are ever being persecuted. And in our everyday conversations, let’s practice witnessing about his goodness so that we are ready.
Jesus, we pray for believers who are being persecuted for their faith in you. Give them strength and your words to say. Please also guide us all as we witness about your goodness. Amen.
México