"Me ? Missionary ?"

Sunday January 30, 2022

"Me ? Missionary ?"

Search the Scriptures

You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1.8

The word "missionary" sometimes has a bad reputation because it is assimilated in the collective memory with "colonization", or even "looting of resources" or "forced conversions". This word - which comes from Latin - and that of "apostle" - which comes from Greek - both mean "sent".

The great commission that was issued by Jesus in Matthew 28:19 : "Go therefore, make disciples of all nations", is still relevant today.

God sends us to "Jerusalem", which represents our immediate surroundings, "to Judea and Samaria", namely our wider circle of influence, and to the ends of the earth.

The mission is not just to jump on the first plane and cross the ocean. It is above all to get involved in the ministry, where God has placed us. It does not only consist in "preaching", but also in loving and serving one's neighbour, praying and contributing financially to the work of God. All these aspects are interdependent and essential for the Good News of the reign of God to be proclaimed throughout the world, for all peoples to hear the witness. Only then will the end come.

It is true that some will be called to "leave" because they have clearly heard God's call, and the price to pay is often high. Some will have to give up everything they know, their comfort, their habits, their relationships, to establish themselves in another culture, learn a new language, rebuild relationships... Like Charles Studd, a student of the prestigious University of Cambridge, cricket champion, who, under the impulse of the Holy Spirit, gave up his studies, distributed all his fortune and became "God's champion" in China, India and Africa. His motto was : "If Jesus Christ is God, and he died for me, then there is no sacrifice too great that I cannot make for him."

Today, let's be "champions of God" here and/or there !

Listen the voice of God

Let's take the time to listen to what God wants to say. Ask God where he is "sending" you today.

Praying is simple. Speak to God as you would your closest friend. God loves you and he can hear everything. Here is an example of a prayer : "Lord, thank you for letting me know the Good News and for saving me. Today I want to take your mission statement seriously. Show me in a concrete way what you expect of me. Amen."

Praise God

To praise God is to express our gratitude to him. Today, what are your subjects of recognition ? Take a time to thank the Lord.

Act today

Now, deepen what you have received. What can you put in place to apply what God has told you ? Write down concrete actions you can take.

Honor the Lord

Our journey for the day ends. Let us pray together to honor our God.

"Jesus, I want to answer your call to go and make disciples around me. Yours is the reign, the power and the glory, amen !"

Catherine Gotte Avdjian

Source (The Thought of the Day)