Don’t relent, for you are sent

[bryan wayne]

Here in the Western world, so often our lives, where we lived and what we did are a matter of thoughtful circumstance—potential income, neighborhood amenities, freeway proximity, the benefits for me &/or family. I’d throw God a bone every once in awhile and (sort of) include him in my planning, pretending to seek His purpose & stamp approval on the decisions arrived at by thoughtful contemplation, weighing all factors, all involved, potential impact on our future.

But Jesus has called us to be his mouth, hands, and feet in this city and in this world. THAT’S HIS PLAN, THAT'S HIS WILL. We are called on a mission for a purpose (Matt 5:13–16; 28:18–20).Jesus came into a specific place and time in human history (Micah 5:1–2). It wasn’t an accident; it was intentional (Matt 2:23). we are the continuation of Jesus’ mission. Jesus prayed, “as you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world” (John 17:18). For those of us in the Western world, that mission is fulfilled by going to church, attending bibles study or home fellowship, living rightly, raising moral children who attend Sunday School & perhaps even a 'Christian' or home school. Jesus sent them to the world, instructed "take nothing for their journey except a staff-no bread, no bag, no money in their belts-but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics" (Mar 6:8,9)(Matt 10: 9,10). We see his obedience to suffering as love is celebrated today, Easter, as thankfulness for eternal life. Yet His gift to the young rich man: 

"You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness,  Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself." The young man said to him, " What do I still lack?"  Jesus said to him, "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and come, follow me." (Mat 19:18-21). Here in the west we see our 'perfect' in keeping the law, how is it that we are still UNWILLING TO FOLLOW HIM? Suffering? Discomfort? Our time & place is intentional, as is our mission 'cast aside all that hinders you'!