Submitted by Jack Tacoma, Ministry Specialist, CRC Home Missions
“That’s what I preached about on April 29 at First CRC. What I try to explain in this message is that the answer to this question – for all ages – is to follow Jesus. In other words, we are saved in order that we can adopt as our mission, the very mission of Jesus.”
What is that mission?
The Bible actually says quite a bit about the audacious mission of Jesus. Isaiah’s description is quite amazing:
Isaiah 61 from The Message (translation by Eugene H. Peterson)
Announce Freedom to All Captives
The Spirit of God, the Master, is on me
because God anointed me.
He sent me to preach good news to the poor,
heal the heartbroken,
Announce freedom to all captives,
pardon all prisoners.
God sent me to announce the year of his grace—
a celebration of God’s destruction of our enemies—
and to comfort all who mourn,
To care for the needs of all who mourn in Zion,
give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes,
Messages of joy instead of news of doom,
a praising heart instead of a languid spirit.
Rename them “Oaks of Righteousness”
planted by God to display his glory.
They’ll rebuild the old ruins,
raise a new city out of the wreckage.
They’ll start over on the ruined cities,
take the rubble left behind and make it new.
You’ll hire outsiders to herd your flocks
and foreigners to work your fields,
But you’ll have the title “Priests of God,”
honored as ministers of our God.
You’ll feast on the bounty of nations,
you’ll bask in their glory.
Because you got a double dose of trouble
and more than your share of contempt,
Your inheritance in the land will be doubled
and your joy go on forever.
In this description of Jesus’ mission, we can readily see that there is something we can each do. But more than that, we can see that much of what we are already doing is included in Jesus’ mission. And that’s a great thing. Many of us are living missional lives already: blessing the poor, comforting those who mourn, visiting the sick, sharing the good news of the Kingdom of God, and much more.
So live each day as if you are beginning again an adventure with God. Start each day submitting yourself to the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit. Let the love of Jesus shine through all you do.
Yes, you are saved – Saved for a wonderful life of following Jesus.
