And further...how do we do it? And then...how do we order our lives, and our community life, around that? LORD, help us. Show us by YOUR SPIRIT through the life of JESUS. Amen.
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Hi friends...
As Community Pastor at MissioDei, this prayer is the cry of my heart these days - what is top-of-mind for me lately. Not only because we're going through this book called The Master Plan of Evangelism, which is an exploration of JESUS' method of making disciples, but more so because I see more clearly than ever the mandate to build into others' lives with the gospel message, walking with them and learning together how to live in the Kingdom.
Part of that is because of where our community is. In the middle of a transition into a new phase in its life, we are on the cusp of growing roots deeper and beginning to grow forth. But I see clearly that without some intentionality, without some forethought, and without being sensitive and submitted to GOD's plan and purposes, nothing will grow. It will wither and fade...and we'll just simply be going through the motions of playing church, rather than taking part in GOD's holy and revolutionary movement within this nation and within our city, even down to our neighborhoods and streets.
I feel a particular urgency now for unexplained reasons mostly... but I get the sense that Aslan is on the move, that GOD is assembling HIS angel armies to move in a new way, and to advance HIS Kingdom further. Given that, I believe, somewhere deep inside, that the time is short. And that there's much to be done.
Of course, what I'm learning again in the book Master Plan is that what's to be done is to make disciples - which has been the plan all along. But more so, it's to do it not with a big splash, or with one eye on the greatest reach and impact, but by focusing on steadfastly and lovingly walking with a few into the life that JESUS has already invited them, and me, into.
This isn't sexy. This isn't easy. Actually, it's kinda hard - as it's not so black and white. Many shades of grey actually.
But then again, I once heard someone say, "If it's not hard, it probably doesn't mean much."
And to that, something within me simply responds, "Amen."
