Commissioning

Readings for today: Matthew 10, 14, Mark 6:7-56, Luke 9:1-17, John 6

I was recently asked to help lead a team to evaluate and potentially revise our ordination standards. For those who may not be familiar with how pastors and/or priests get ordained, there is a fairly rigorous academic process at the end of which you sit for written and oral exams. If you pass those exams, you are formally ordained and installed to your “office” of pastor. Over the years, it’s become fairly cumbersome as more and more requirements get added with little, if any, subtraction. It can take years. It can be very expensive. The curriculum can be narrow and theologically parochial. But one has to run this gauntlet if one is going to serve in our denomination.

Now look at the process Jesus employs. He teaches his disciples over a number of months and then sends them out to preach the same message He’s been preaching. He gives them authority to heal disease and cast out demons. He doesn’t put them through any theological exams. He doesn’t seem all that concerned that they might make mistakes. He knows there will be plenty of time to make those corrections along the way. Furthermore, He doesn’t give them much in the way of resources. He doesn’t set goal for support-raising before they can go. He simply sends them without money and without food and encourages them to trust the Lord to provide along the way.

Let’s be honest. We don’t trust the way of Jesus when it comes to commissioning His people to serve as ministers of the gospel. It’s why we’ve spent hundreds of years developing elaborate educational systems and fundraising methods so that we don’t have to do what Jesus did. We want to eliminate any and all risk. We want to guard against heresy. We want to make sure there are no needs that go unmet. And the result is we never do get around to actually going. The harvest fields Jesus talks about are still out there. Ripe for the harvest. And the workers are still far too few largely because we refuse to let them go until they meet our somewhat arbitrary standards. This is true not only for pastors and priests but for the ordinary Christian as well. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve talked to a brother or sister in Christ about evangelism only to have them tell me they don’t feel equipped. They don’t feel confident. They don’t feel they have what it takes. Many of them have grown up in the church. They’ve been in numerous Bible studies along the way. They’ve been faithful to serve. In some cases, they’ve even been through evangelism training but still they struggle to go.

It’s time for the church to take a good hard look at herself. Rather than spend so much time and effort gatekeeping and guarding against potential heresy, we need to take more risks and send more people out into the harvest field. Sure, they may not have all of their theological “i’s” dotted or “t’s” crossed but what’s most important is that they know they have been commissioned by the Holy Spirit to go and preach the good news. They have been given the authority of the Holy Spirit to confront demons and comfort the hurting and come alongside those who need healing. They will be given all they need by the Holy Spirit to accomplish the ministry He has planned for them. This must become our primary goal! To send God’s people into God’s mission field so He might reap a harvest of souls!

Readings for tomorrow: Matthew 15, Mark 7, 8:1-10

Hanging out with Jesus

Readings for today: Matthew 8:1-4, 9:1-17. 12:1-21, Mark 1:40-45, 2:1-3:21, Luke 5:12-6:19

Who did Jesus spend time with and why? That’s a huge question as we read through the Gospels. Jesus often finds Himself at odds with the religious leaders of His day because of the company He keeps. He hangs out with tax collectors, prostitutes, lepers, demon-possessed, and a host of other unclean sinners who were outcast from first century Israelite society. He went to their homes. He went to their parties. He loved them and embraced them and welcomed them. Why did Jesus do this? After all, it’s not very strategic. They didn’t have much to offer His ministry. It wasn’t good for His reputation. They were desperately needy and took up a great deal of His time and attention. So what was in it for Jesus? Listen to His own words. They appear in all three of the Synoptic Gospels which means each of the Gospel writes believed them to be vitally important.

“Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? I’m here inviting the sin-sick, not the spiritually-fit.” (Mark‬ ‭2‬:‭17‬ ‭MSG‬‬)

We often say things like, “the church should be a hospital for sinners” but that’s an extremely difficult vision to live into. People are messy. My mess messes with your mess and your mess messes with my mess. The more real and authentic I become in community, the more challenging it is to be in relationship with me. My ego gets involved and complicates matters. I have a hard time seeing the log in my eye when I’m trying to get the speck out of my brother or sister’s eye. I have a hard time resisting the temptation to pass judgment but find it all too easy to give myself a pass. And yet, Jesus didn’t come for the self-righteous or the Pharisee or the saint who appears perfect. Jesus didn’t come for the overly religious or superficially spiritual or nominal believer. Jesus came for the sick. Jesus came for the broken. Jesus came for the weak and spiritually poor. Jesus came for the hungry and thirsty. Jesus came for the naked and oppressed. Jesus came to invite the sinner into fellowship so he or she might be saved.

I think of some of the places I go and the people I meet. The general manager of a local bar always buys me a round of drinks when I meet people at his establishment. A town council member lets me have a tab at his coffee shop. A lesbian couple continues to dialogue with me over what it means to follow Jesus. A young man in his late twenties meets with me to wrestle with his gender identity. Several young people who are battling significant mental health issues ask me for prayer regularly. I get invited into birthday parties and wedding celebrations and other occasions that mark major milestones in people’s lives. I always try to say “yes” to these invitations because they are opportunities for me to do what Jesus did. Minister to the sick and invite them to find healing through a relationship with Him.

Readings for tomorrow: Matthew 5-7, Luke 6:20-49, 11:1-13

Loving Those Who Do Not Believe

Readings for today: Daniel 4-6

One of the hallmarks of a Christian is her heart for the lost. We are commanded in Scripture to love those who are lost. To have compassion on those who do not yet know God. To reach out to them. To serve them. To bless them in the name of Jesus. The examples from Scripture are legion. From the beginning where God demonstrates His love for Adam and Eve and Cain even amidst their sin. To the love Abraham showed for the people of Sodom, interceding for them when they faced destruction. Moses showed love to his father-in-law, a non-Israelite, raising him to a position of leadership among the people of God. I think of how the Law of God embraces the stranger, foreigner, and alien in the midst of God’s people and I think of how we see that fleshed out in the embrace of women like Rahab and Ruth and the critical role they play in the genealogy of our Savior.

Daniel embodies this love as well. His close relationship with the kings he serves is well-attested in the chapters we read today. When Nebuchadnezzer has a dream, Daniel is the man he calls on. It’s important to note that Nebuchadnezzer even uses Daniel’s Jewish name which is highly unusual as the Babylonians “renamed” people in order to assimilate them fully into Babylonian culture. “And then Daniel came in. His Babylonian name is Belteshazzar, named after my god, a man full of the divine Holy Spirit. I told him my dream.” (Daniel‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬ ‭MSG‬‬‬) And Daniel clearly communicates his love and concern for Nebuchadnezzer as he interprets the dream for him. “At first Daniel, who had been renamed Belteshazzar in Babylon, was upset. The thoughts that came swarming into his mind terrified him. “Belteshazzar,” the king said, “stay calm. Don’t let the dream and its interpretation scare you.” “My master,” said Belteshazzar, “I wish this dream were about your enemies and its interpretation for your foes.” (Daniel‬ ‭4‬:‭19‬ ‭MSG‬‬‬)

Daniel’s special relationship with the kings he serves is not limited to Nebuchadnezzar. It extends to Darius as well. “But Daniel, brimming with spirit and intelligence, so completely outclassed the other vice-regents and governors that the king decided to put him in charge of the whole kingdom.” (Daniel‬ ‭6‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭MSG‬‬) Clearly, Daniel’s reputation precedes him. He is esteemed above all the wise men and satraps and other potential counselors of the king. Furthermore, when their jealousy gets the best of them and they craft legislation specifically attacking Daniel’s faith, Darius laments what he has to do and is the first to arrive at the mouth of the lion’s den to see if Daniel has survived. “The king was very upset and tried his best to get Daniel out of the fix he’d put him in. He worked at it the whole day long…The king then went back to his palace. He refused supper. He couldn’t sleep. He spent the night fasting. At daybreak the king got up and hurried to the lions’ den. As he approached the den, he called out anxiously, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve so loyally, saved you from the lions?” “O king, live forever!” said Daniel. “My God sent his angel, who closed the mouths of the lions so that they would not hurt me. I’ve been found innocent before God and also before you, O king. I’ve done nothing to harm you.” When the king heard these words, he was happy. He ordered Daniel taken up out of the den. When he was hauled up, there wasn’t a scratch on him. He had trusted his God. Then the king commanded that the conspirators who had informed on Daniel be thrown into the lions’ den, along with their wives and children. Before they hit the floor, the lions had them in their jaws, tearing them to pieces.” (Daniel‬ ‭6‬:‭14‬, ‭18‬-‭24‬ ‭MSG‬‬‬)

One can see from such verses how Daniel loved the lost kings whom he served. He loved them as God loved them. He served them out of reverence for Christ. He gave his life to them in an effort to lead and direct them to a saving faith. And his efforts were not in vain. Nebuchadnezzer gave glory to the God of Israel. Belshazzar was brought to his knees before the God of Israel. Darius issues a proclamation that all the people of the empire would worship the God of Israel. It’s a powerful testimony and example to us all.

So…how do you love the lost? Take it one step back…do you love the lost? Do you love those who do not know Christ or do you look down on them? Do you love those who are still enslaved to their sin or do you disdain them? Do you love those who are struggling and wandering and perhaps even living in willful rebellion against Christ or do you seek to reach them, serve them, care for them, have compassion on them? What creates barriers to love in your life? Is it politics? Ethnicity? Economics? Is it lack of forgiveness? Lack of grace? Lack of understanding? Is it anger? Frustration? Lost hope? Let the gospel minister to your soul. Let the gospel restore your faith and renew your love. Remember the gospel is the literal power of God for all those who would believe, Jew and Gentile alike. It is God’s desire that all should be saved and come to a knowledge of His truth. This includes even those we would consider our enemies. Let Daniel’s example both challenge and inspire you today to reach out to those who do not yet know Christ.

Readings for tomorrow: Daniel 7-9

Reluctant Evangelist

Readings for today: Jonah 1-4

There may not be a more reluctant and yet more successful evangelist than Jonah. Called by God to preach repentance in the capital city of his mortal enemies, he runs in the opposite direction. (The picture above is from the ancient seaport of Joppa.) In order to bend him to His will, God sends a storm to turn him back. In the midst of the fierce storm, after the sailors have implored their gods for help and done all they can to lighten the load, Jonah is given the opportunity to share his faith with them. Their response? Worship. Sacrifice. Vows. And God stills the waters and calms the seas.

After being vomited up onto dry land by the giant fish, Jonah goes to Nineveh and preaches repentance. What was their response? Worship. Fasting and prayer. Saving faith. And God relented from the disaster He was going to bring onto the city. Was Jonah happy? Not at all. He was enraged. He lost his temper. He yelled at God. “God! I knew it - when I was back home, I knew this was going to happen! That’s why I ran off to Tarshish! I knew you were sheer grace and mercy, not easily angered, rich in love, and ready at the drop of a hat to turn your plans of punishment into a program of forgiveness! So God, if you won’t kill them, kill me! I’m better off dead!” (Jonah 4:2-3 MSG) Can you imagine the hatred that would drive this kind of response?

Reading Jonah causes us to ponder our own reluctance to evangelize. What is it that keeps us from sharing our faith? Fear? Insecurity? Disobedience? Bias? Prejudice? Hatred? What is it that keeps us from sharing the good news with those who need it so desperately? Most of the people I know are afraid to share because they don’t feel they have enough knowledge of the Bible or the faith. But how much is enough? Isn’t it enough simply to share what God has done for you? What He means to you? Still others are afraid of how the other person might respond. They fear rejection. They fear dismissal. They are afraid of the tension it might create in the relationship. But if we are able to let go of any agendas or need to control others or force our perspective on those around us, are we not then free simply to share how Jesus changed our lives? How His presence fills us with incredible joy and peace and strength? Still others don’t share because of their anger or bitterness or hatred for the other person. Most of the time these feelings are grounded in painful experiences they suffered at the hands of those around them that cause them to withhold. They don’t want those who’ve caused so much pain to come to saving faith. I can understand this perspective. I’ve felt it myself. So did Jonah. And yet God wants all to be saved and come to a knowledge of His truth. Even our enemies.

So what answers does Jonah provide? Not much. Even at the end of the book, Jonah is still frustrated and angry and wanting to die. The book ends with a question. A question that remains to be answered by every “Jonah”, every reluctant evangelist, who has come after him. What if God offers mercy instead of judgment to those who are lost? What if God offers forgiveness rather than punishment to those who’ve committed great crimes? What if God takes more pleasure in the repentance of the wicked than He does their destruction? Are we willing to trust Him by sharing our faith?

Readings for tomorrow: None

Evangelism

Readings for today: 1 Chronicles 6, Psalms 36, 39, 77-78

I once worked for a denomination where evangelism was often referred to as the “E” word. It was a perjorative term. They didn’t like it. Didn’t want to do it. Didn’t really believe it necessary on some level. They would much rather focus on social issues and lobby for certain political progressive positions. But talk about Jesus? Share the gospel? That was a non-starter. Every few years, they would produce a survey and at least a few of the questions focused on whether or not belief in Jesus was required for salvation. A majority of pastors and denominational leaders voted “no.” When asked if they had shared their faith with a non-believer in the last year, most of the people sitting in the pew said “no.” Of course, things aren’t much different in my current denomination. While everyone acknowledges the call to evangelize, very few actually put it into practice. 80-85% of our churches have plateaued or are in decline. In a recent survey it was revealed that far too many pastors do not spend any time at all sharing the good news with lost people outside of Sunday mornings. Sure, we may have a better handle on our theology but we still seem to suffer from the same spiritual malaise.

Psalm 78 says, “We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done. He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments...” (Psalms‬ ‭78:4-7‬) It is God’s greatest desire to be known. To be loved. To be in relationship with His people. It’s why He walked with Adam and Eve in the Garden. It’s why He revealed Himself to Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It’s why He spoke to Moses from a burning bush. It’s why He delivered Israel with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. It’s why He sends prophets, raises up kings, and, in the fullness of time, sends His only begotten Son into the world. He wants to be known! 

The primary instrument He uses to make Himself known is us! His chosen people! His adopted sons and daughters! His bride! His body! His church. It’s why every gospel contains a Great Commission. It’s why the Book of Acts begins with a command to go to the ends of the earth with the message of the gospel. It’s good news! It’s great news! It’s the best news!  

Evangelism begins in the home. With our children. Our children’s children. One generation tells the next of the mighty and awesome wonders of God. One generation testifies to the next of all that God has done. Fathers and mothers sharing the good news with their children over dinner. Driving in the car to the next practice. Prayers before bedtime. Grandfathers and grandmothers sharing the good news with their grandchildren as they take them to the zoo. For a walk in the park. Playing with them on the playground. Families worshipping together. Reading Scripture together. Praying together. This is how the faith is passed on. But it doesn’t end in our homes. It extends outward to our neighbors as we engage in acts of service and selfless love. It extends to our co-workers as we connect over coffee breaks and at lunch. It extends to our classmates at recess or on off-periods together. It extends to those we encounter as we go about our daily lives. A smile. A kind word. Graciously letting someone go in front of us in the line at the grocery store. It extends even further as we engage cross-culturally both locally and abroad. As we serve the less fortunate. Speak for those who have no voice. Care for those who are hurting. Comfort those who are sick. Come alongside those who are lonely. All in the name of Jesus.  

A favorite theologian of mine once said, “Christians should all live questionable lives.” Not because we engage in sin but because our lives should be such models of grace and unconditional love that it will make people curious. It will make them want to ask us why we live the way we do. This should be true of our children as they grow up in our homes. True for our neighbors who live around us. True for our co-workers and classmates with whom we spend so much time. 

So who do you know who needs the gospel? What are you doing to share the good news with them? Are you praying for them? Are you looking for opportunities to engage in spiritual conversations with them? Are you serving them? Blessing them? Have you invited them to join you in worship? Or in small group? Or on a mission? God desires all should be saved and come to a knowledge of His truth. And to accomplish this great mission, God has sent you. God has sent me. God has sent His people into the world.  

Readings for tomorrow: None