Romans 10:13-15
For, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’
Reflection
I love a good map and can curl up with one for hours! There are moments in my life when I have been especially aware of being ‘sent’ somewhere whether it has been into new places in this country in ministry or the privilege of spending time abroad in South India, Sierra Leone, or Kosova for example. Now I live in London and the whole world has come to me and it is brilliant! Here’s the thing though; might it be that ‘sentness’ is not only about geography, or a journey helped or hindered by Google maps but rather it is an attitude of mind or posture?
The English word ‘mission’ has origins in the Latin word meaning ‘to be pushed out’ which suggests momentum or impulse. Perhaps we also need to recognize the prodding and poking of the Holy Spirit in our day to push us out and so we can be conscious and present as we respond and are sent.
I am more and more persuaded that the cause of the Gospel and its proclamation can be served wholeheartedly in the ordinary places, spaces, and moments when we consciously live out for and speak out about Jesus. As one of our Synod Moderators is often heard to say, “Evangelism is a discipleship issue not a training issue!”
In his wonderful little book ‘Surprise the world’ Michael Frost outlines his weekly practice of blessing three people, eating with three people, spending a period of time listening to the Spirit and learning Christ and finally being ‘sent’; journalling throughout the week all the ways you alerted others to the universal reign of God through Christ.
Think about some of the many biblical stories of people who wanted to do anything but what was right in front of their faces. Think about the ways that you are being sent and be encouraged that your feet are truly beautiful when they are used to bring good news to someone!
Prayer
Sending, searching, saving God,
I confess that often as a church
we have been a ‘come to us’
instead of a ‘go to you’ people.
I am truly sorry that I am sometimes so preoccupied
that I fail to see those around me as people
who could call upon the name of the Lord and be saved.
Help me to slow down, look around
and be present and willing to share something of Jesus.
Amen