June Devotion - Transforming Mission
Romans 12:1-2
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not confirm any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.
The vision of Micah Network is: ‘a global community of Christians mobilised for transforming mission through the Gospel’. The interpretation of transforming mission is two-fold:
1. That mission itself is transforming and we are promoting this to be towards integral mission.
2. The all that we do has a transforming impact
The term ‘transforming mission’ was borrowed from David Bosch’s excellent book on the subject. Bosch recognised that mission was multi-dimensional and impacts all parts of our lives. He highlighted six dimensions that are helpful for us to prayerfully consider as we exercise and help our minds renew (Romans 12:2)
1. Incarnation:
Jesus came down and lived amongst us. He was present, relevant and engaged in everyday life alongside and with us. Likewise we need to be present and involved in the lives of our family, friends and community. Let’s pause for a moment and think about whether we really are present? Often for those of us involved in busy and fulfilling ministries and aid responses, we excuse ourselves from being present for those whom we share our lives with. I was recently in Delhi spending time with Dino L Touthang, our International Board’s Chair. He shared with me that the reasons he insists on staying on as a pastor in his local church are that it keeps his life real and he engages with people in their everyday struggles and celebrations.
2. The Cross: Jesus demonstrated sacrificial love and humility. Many ask ‘Where is God in the midst of pain and suffering?’ – he’s on the cross for us, so that suffering and pain will come to an end; so that we can be reconciled to God. Let’s pause a moment and consider the power of the love that resolutely chose the cross for us.
God is not disillusioned about us, as knowing the very worst about us; he still chose the cross for us. We are called to forgive, serve and love with that same Spirit, reaching out to all with this Good News.
3. Resurrection: We are new creations! We are witnesses and ambassadors of the Kingdom of God. What image and representation do we give of this Kingdom in our families, amongst our friends and within the community? We need to demonstrate and proclaim the new life we have in Christ. Let’s pause a moment to consider if our words and actions reflect this new life?
4. Ascension: Jesus Christ reigns! He is Lord and Saviour. He declared that the Kingdom of God is here now, and though we live in the tension of the now and not yet, as we engage in integral mission we are a fragrance and evidence of the Kingdom coming as transformation and restoration-flow. As we stand for justice and peace we herald in the Kingdom of God. Let us pause a moment to worship and honour the King of Kings and invite Him to be Lord of our lives.
5. Holy Spirit: We have received the down-payment of the new Kingdom guaranteeing all that is and will be. Transformation is the manifestation of the Holy Spirit! The real power to see transformation is through the activity of the Holy Spirit as we walk with Him – the fruit and gifts are there. Let’s pause a moment and invite the Holy Spirit to guide us through each moment of the day, opening our eyes and heart to respond as Jesus did.
6. Christ’s Return: We are involved in God’s mission until he returns. And when he asks how we have used the gifts and opportunities he has given us to be a part of transforming mission through the Gospel, what will be our reply? Let’s hope and continue to pray together that we will have multiplied and represented the Kingdom faithfully.
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