God’s Mission
Tuesday’s focus in these devotions, Immersion, usually ties a week’s theme with the overall mission of God.
Today we view that mission through two lenses: That of Jesus and then of ourselves. Initially we have God’s MISSION: Jesus as Peacemaker. "For he himself is our peace… through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit." (Ephesians 2:14a,18)
Ephesians 2:14-18
14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
As you read these words of Paul, you can see the heart of peace that God has for us in relation to both Himself and toward others.
Next we have God’s MISSION: You as Peacemaker. "We are Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us."
(2 Corinthians 5:20a adapted).
Produced out of God’s peacemaking Son Jesus comes a new creation, a new “piece” of creation at it were, re-made or made new. We then (as new creations) take on the character and mission of our peacemaking master Jesus; He who reconciled us to the Father is calling us to a ministry of reconciliation for others to God – and to us. Here is the fuller reading:
2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
The original disciples’ mission foray started in Jewish towns and homes, extending peace along the way (see Matthew 10). Now extended to a world-wide outreach, Jesus’ followers are still encouraged to extend peace. Not everyone is interested in the peace of God, but He wants us to be interested in sharing it.
Prayer
Father God, I am so grateful to be reconciled to You through Jesus Christ, my sin not being counted against me. Your kindness is unmatched. Though I cannot match Your level of peacemaking, I can mirror it by seeking to be a reconciler in the world I live in. Show me how to be an ambassador for Christ in big and small ways. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Micro-Meditation Scripture
Psalm 119:105-112 (Nuun, 14th letter)
- Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light on my path. - I have taken an oath and confirmed it,
that I will follow your righteous laws. - I have suffered much;
preserve my life, LORD,
according to your word. - Accept, LORD, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws.
- Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law.
- The wicked have set a snare for me,
but I have not strayed from your precepts. - Your statutes are my heritage forever;
they are the joy of my heart. - My heart is set on keeping your decrees
to the very end.
Micro-Meditation
Teaching or Command of God
Luke 9:23
Jesus said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.
John 8:12
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Micro-Meditation
Pondering Point
The letter Nuun is related to faithfulness. Have you taken an oath with God to abide by His Word? (like at confirmation? When is the last time you confirmed that with Him? And now…?