In a world often fraught with judgment and discord, we are reminded of a profound truth: we are all called to be messengers of hope, bearers of good news, and agents of compassion. This calling isn't reserved for a select few, but for all who follow in the footsteps of Jesus.
The concept of being "sent" or being a "missionary" isn't about traveling to far-off lands or giving impressive presentations. It's about recognizing that wherever we are, we have been placed there with purpose. We are missionaries in our neighborhoods, workplaces, schools, and communities. The word "missionary" itself comes from the idea of being a messenger, and we are all tasked with sharing the message of love, redemption, and hope.
Consider the example set by Jesus in Matthew 9. He traveled through towns and villages, teaching in synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness. This wasn't just a display of divine power; it was a demonstration of how we should live. Jesus showed compassion to those deemed unworthy by society. He ate with tax collectors and sinners, much to the chagrin of religious leaders. His message was clear: He came to seek and save the lost, to be a doctor for the spiritually sick.
This example challenges us to look at our own lives. How often do we cast judgment rather than show compassion? It's easy to look at someone struggling and assume they've made poor choices. It's simple to criticize parents dealing with unruly children or those who seem to rely too heavily on technology. But what if, instead of judgment, we approached these situations with compassion?
Jesus had compassion on the crowds because they were "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." This imagery, reminiscent of Psalm 23, paints a picture of a loving God who leads us to green pastures and quiet waters. It reminds us that many in our world are lost, not because they've chosen to be, but because they lack guidance.
We may not be the ultimate shepherd, but we can certainly hold a flashlight, pointing the way. We may not have all the answers, but we can offer a glimpse of hope. This is our calling – to show people that there is a good shepherd and to model that shepherding in our own lives.
The harvest, as Jesus put it, is plentiful, but the workers are few. This isn't a call for others to do the work; it's an invitation for us to step up. When we pray for workers to be sent into the harvest field, we're opening our eyes to the opportunities God presents to us. We're not praying for someone else to do the work; we're praying for the courage and wisdom to do it ourselves.
This call to action comes with a promise of grace. Just as God didn't wait for the Israelites to prove themselves before rescuing them from Egypt, He doesn't wait for us to be perfect before offering redemption. The promise of rescue, the promise of Jesus, came long before His birth. It gave people hope then, and it gives us hope now.
So, what does this mean for us practically? It boils down to three key actions:
1. Pray that people in the church would say yes to God. This isn't just about saying yes to overseas missions (though that might be the call for some). It's about saying yes in our daily lives – at work, at school, in our neighborhoods.
2. Lead churches to take sending seriously. Whether we're in leadership positions or not, we can encourage our faith communities to embrace this mission mindset.
3. Be sent to the people in your life. God has placed you where you are for a reason. You are sent to your current location, to your current relationships.
The challenge is clear: who is that one person you are called to reach out to? Who can you pray for, invite into relationship, and model Christ's love to? The harvest is plentiful in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and schools. We don't need to knock on strangers' doors; we simply need to engage with those already in our lives.
Believing in the gospel for ourselves is wonderful, but it comes with an obligation and expectation to share it with others. We are called to be sent into our world, carrying a message of hope, love, and redemption.
As we reflect on this calling, let's remember the words of John Piper: "In light of the gospel, we have three options. We can either go, we can send, or we can disobey." The call is there. The question is, how will we respond?
Let's embrace our role as messengers of hope. Let's look at the world through eyes of compassion rather than judgment. Let's be willing to enter the trenches with those who are struggling, offering a hand up rather than a pointed finger. And let's remember that while we may not be able to change the whole world, we can certainly make a difference in the life of one person.
Who will you reach out to? How will you live sent this week? The harvest is plentiful, and you have been called. It's time to step into the field with compassion, hope, and the good news of God's love.