The Mission of Jesus: A Fierce, Tender Mercy
Dear Friends, this Sunday we explore the paradoxical nature of Jesus’ mission: a fierce, tender mercy. We hear how God's covenant with Abraham, Paul's call to steadfastness, and Jesus' lament over Jerusalem reveal the tension between God's unwavering purpose and God’s compassionate heart. We will discover that our call to Christian mission is not a gentle stroll, but a passionate, often painful, expression of God's love.
Genesis: A Fierce Covenant of Mercy
Genesis 15 recounts God's covenant with Abraham. In a vision, God reassures Abraham, promising him descendants as numerous as the stars. This covenant is not merely a promise of blessing; it's a commitment that requires sacrifice and trust. The symbolic act of the divided animals foreshadows the fierce trials that Abraham's descendants will face, yet it also underscores God's unwavering faithfulness. God's mercy is fierce, demanding obedience and endurance, but ultimately leading to fulfillment.
Philippians: A Tender Call to Steadfastness
In Philippians 3, Paul urges the believers to imitate his example, to set their minds on heavenly things. He warns them about those who live as enemies of the cross, whose minds are set on earthly things. He calls them to stand firm in the Lord, to hold fast to their citizenship in heaven. Paul's words are tender, filled with concern and love, yet they also convey a fierce determination to protect the integrity of the Gospel. He displays a tender heart and a fierce commitment to the mission.
Luke: A Lament of Fierce Tenderness
Luke 13 depicts Jesus' lament over Jerusalem. He knows the city's impending destruction, its rejection of God's messengers. He longs to gather its people like a hen gathers her chicks, a tender image of loving protection. Yet, He also acknowledges the fierce resistance He faces, the threats against His life. Jesus' weeping reveals the depth of God's compassion, a fierce tenderness that grieves over the lost and longs for their salvation.
Mission: A Paradox of Love
These readings illuminate the paradoxical nature of God's mission:
- Fierce Commitment: God's mission is characterized by unwavering commitment, demanding sacrifice and perseverance.
- Tender Compassion: God's mission is driven by deep compassion, a longing for reconciliation and restoration.
- Merciful Purpose: God's mission is ultimately an act of mercy, seeking to save and redeem.
Conclusion:
Our mission, as followers of Christ, reflects this same paradox. We are called to be both fierce and tender, to stand firm in our faith while extending compassion to the world. We are to be like Jesus, who wept over Jerusalem and yet resolutely walked the path to the cross.
PowerPoint Slides:
- Slide 1: Title: Mission: A Fierce, Tender Mercy
- Slide 2: Genesis 15:1-6 - God's Covenant with Abraham
- Slide 3: Genesis 15:7-18 - The Symbolic Covenant
- Slide 4: Philippians 3:17-21 - Imitating Paul's Example
- Slide 5: Philippians 4:1 - Stand Firm in the Lord
- Slide 6: Luke 13:31-33 - Jesus' Determination
- Slide 7: Luke 13:34-35 - Jesus' Lament Over Jerusalem
- Slide 8: Key Points:
- Mission is a blend of fierce commitment and tender compassion.
- God's mercy demands trust and obedience.
- We are called to stand firm in faith and extend love.
- Slide 9: Conclusion:
- Embrace the paradoxical nature of God's mission.
- Let your life reflect both strength and compassion.
- Slide 10: Call to Action:
- Examine your own commitment to God's mission.
- Seek to balance strength and compassion in your life.
- Pray for those who are lost and in need of God's mercy.
Dear Siblings in Christ, this Sunday we see the phrase on our money “In God We Trust” throughout our readings. We'll journey through Deuteronomy's call to remembrance, Romans' proclamation of faith, and Luke's account of Jesus' temptation, discovering how trust in God shapes our lives and strengthens us in the face of adversity.
Deuteronomy: Remembering God's Faithfulness: Deuteronomy 26 gives us a vivid picture of gratitude and remembrance. The Israelites are instructed to bring the first fruits of their harvest to the Lord, acknowledging God’s provision and deliverance. This act of worship is not merely a ritual; it's a profound declaration of trust in God's faithfulness. They are to recount their history, from their ancestors' wandering to their present abundance, acknowledging that every blessing comes from God's hand. This act of remembering cultivates trust, reminding them that God has always been, and will always be, faithful.
Romans: Proclaiming Faith in Jesus: Paul emphasizes that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ. He declares that the word of faith is near, in our mouths and in our hearts. He proclaims that "if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." This confession and belief are acts of trust, placing our eternal destiny in God's hands. Paul emphasizes that this invitation is open to all, Jew and Gentile alike, for "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
Luke: Resisting Temptation Through Trust: The Gospel tells the familiar story of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness. For forty days, Jesus faced the devil's cunning attempts to undermine His trust in God. Each temptation challenged Jesus' identity and mission, urging Him to rely on His own power and desires rather than God's will. Jesus' responses, drawn from Moses, demonstrate His unwavering trust in God's word. He resisted temptation by relying on God's provision, power, and purpose. Jesus shows us that trust in God is not passive; it is an active resistance against the forces that seek to draw us away from Him.
These three readings reveal a threefold response to God:
- Remembering: We are called to remember God's faithfulness, His provision, and His deliverance. This remembrance strengthens our trust and anchors us in His love.
- Resisting: We are called to resist temptation and the allure of worldly power, trusting in God's word and His guidance.
- Rejoicing: We are called to rejoice in God's salvation and provision, offering our gratitude and praise.
Conclusion:
Trust in God is not a blind leap; it's a confident reliance on His character and promises. It's remembering His faithfulness, resisting temptation, and rejoicing in His salvation. In a world filled with uncertainty and fear, we can find peace and strength in the unwavering love of God.
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