Greetings,
Yesterday was an awesome day at church for me. Today’s Holy Nougat references one of the scriptures mentioned and part of my response to the pastor’s sermon. (Not quite the same tangent, but influenced thereof.
“Jesus therefore said to them again, Peace be unto you: as the Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” John 20:21 ASV
It is so simple to hear only Peace in this conversation and misconstrue it as Jesus calming the disciples when they catch sight of Him. It is that, but there’s more … The key pieces in this message are – Peace … as I am sent … you are sent.
How was Jesus sent? To answer that, we must first deconstruct Why Jesus was sent. To offer hope and transformation to a dying, broken and despondent world. He, all God, was sent as human to perfect the Divine imperative via miracles, suffering and ultimately death. Then life thereafter.
Miracles – Suffering – The Cross – Resurrection
What then do we expect when we say ‘Send me’ or when we understand ourselves to be ‘Sent’?
Most of us preach/expect
Peace- as the world defines it
Prosperity- as per natural expectations
Purpose- within Our established limits
Power- rather than authority
In short, we will go; but on our terms.
But that’s not quite what Christ meant. Based on how He was sent, let us consider those same expectations. We’re sent with –
Peace … to take us through the Trials which we WILL undergo. Christ assured the disciples that they would undergo some of the suffering He did. There would be signs, and also suffering (ask Saul/Paul or John the Baptist)
Prosperity … of our soul and spirit. In Luke 9 and 10, the disciples are sent with Nothing! Take nothing but God’s glory (peace, revelations, signs and the presence of God) with us. There’s no mention of fanciness. Provision of our needs. Not excess. Blessings may come in the form of abundance (like it did for Abraham); but it’s not guaranteed.
Purpose … as per God’s plan. It’s not wholly ours to establish. Truly, God has called us. Each of us; and our positive response to God’s call includes the understanding that we are not always sent where we desire or are comfortable. We are sent where God purposes us to be.
Powered up to act upon God’s authority to overcome the enemy. So we are not called to abuse the power invested in us, rather we use the power to effect God’s rulership here on earth (Your will be done ON earth as in heaven)
Today, may we receive God’s peace and move in our sent-ness.
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
