The Deeply Formed Life预览

“Missional Presence”

Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20; Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:11-21

Our most effective strategy in reaching a world for Christ is grounded in the kind of people we are being formed into. The quality of our presence is our mission. And the good news is that Jesus doesn’t wait for us to be perfect before inviting us into mission. On the contrary, being “perfect” disquali­fies us from partnering with Jesus in mission. 

When you read the Bible, you’ll see again and again that God doesn’t call perfect people. God is in the business of calling broken, fearful, hot­headed, inconsistent, pessimistic, doubting people like you and me. Just look at Jesus’s first disciples. 

As Jesus was arrested and crucified, his disciples de­serted him. He was left alone to suffer and die. After his death, burial, and resurrection, the disciples locked them­selves in a room for fear that they would be next to die. These disciples had failed Jesus. They’d dropped out. Who would want these people on their team? The answer is no one except Jesus. 

Jesus went back to his failed dis­ciples and instead of bringing up their mistakes, he sent them on mission. After coming face to face with his friends, he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And after he said this, “he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit’ ” (John 20:21–22). 

Even when you make mistakes, don’t perform, and can’t get your act together, Jesus comes to you and says, “I want you. I’m calling you, and I’m send­ing you.” Jesus knows your problems, your addictions, your hang-ups, and your failures, and in spite of that, you are invited into his mission. 

What are the biggest needs of the people closest to you? How can you be like Christ to them in these situations?

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