Rescue Mission
(That last one was one of the more
dramatic visual we might have been given along the way depending on
denomination or pastoral delivery.)
Either way, in some shape or form we have been
told as Christians that we are on a rescue mission to help save the world!
That is daunting to say the least.
Matthew 28:19–20
tells us…
“Go therefore and make disciples of
all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the
Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
If we don’t…If we pause or stay back in uncertainty,
we hear the convicting words in Romans 10:14–15
“How then will they call on him in
whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they
have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how
are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are
the feet of those who preach the good news!”
In other words we hear…”How will they know
Jesus if YOU don’t tell them about him? You better get out there and start
saving people, …GO….NOW!!!”
I envision civilians being put on a military rescue
helicopter, gear being slung on their backs, equipment being lunged at them.
The copter touches down and they’re pushed out with the only direction being
given….”SAVE THE PEOPLE”.
Yes, that’s a pretty dramatic visual. I’m not even
a fan of action movies, yet that’s what I picture people visualizing at times
when thinking about the call that’s put upon their lives.
Part of my job as a pastor is to share those “orders
from the boss” with the troops. Many times, the expression on people’s faces is
much like what I imagine those civilians being pushed off the helicopter to be.
Looks of terror and uncertainty! “You want me to do WHAT?” “How?”
As Paul tells Timothy in Timothy 4:1–5
“I charge you in the presence of God
and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his
appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of
season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.”
The big question for you and me right now, right
where we are is…what does that look like?
What does that look like for the person who may not feel like they are fully “equipped” for this rescue mission? What does it mean for the person who doesn’t feel they have the words or the knowledge in their mission backpack?
Maybe they have the words and the knowledge, but do not
feel they have the right amount of training to use the equipment they’ve been
given. They feel like soldiers walking through an area of unidentified land
minds, never knowing where to step.
The best way to help us with this conflict is to
understand ourselves less as soldiers and more as missionaries; the people
being sent out to care for those in need.
As Jesus did, we approach things one person at a
time. Jesus may have spoken to the masses and shared his words with many people
at a time; yet he always healed one on one. He gave each person his undivided
attention and listened to them in return.
This morning, I was in 1 Timothy and read the
words of Apostle Paul sent to encourage Timothy who was serving as a pastor to
the people of Ephesus.
In 1 Timothy 2:1-4 we hear Paul’s words to Timothy
who has felt discouraged and unsure of how to bring people to Christ.
Paul says “I urge you, first of all, to pray for
all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks
for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can
live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to
understand the truth.”
Prayer. The very first step in our rescue mission.
Pray for those people we know need to know Jesus.
In Timothy’s discouragement Paul gave him
encouragement. In showing Timothy how to reveal Christ to others, Paul revealed
Christ in himself through his support and love for Timothy.
Paul encourages Timothy…..to encourage others.
So, when we feel confused or overwhelmed with our rescue
mission. When we feel ill equipped or undertrained, we need to take a step back
and understand the beautiful simplicity of what we are being called to do.
We start with just two things. Prayer and
encouragement.
Who might you pray for today? Who might you
encourage in some way? Your prayers are powerful and your loving encouragement
is the first step to showing others who Jesus is (through you!)
So don’t panic.
Instead pray for those you want to introduce to Jesus. Pray that their hearts soften and their eyes open to the beautiful truth of who our Savior is. Then encourage them in whatever way you can. Show them the love of Christ through your actions and words.
And as we hear in 1 Peter
3:15…
“Worship Christ as Lord of your life.
And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain
it.”
When we love and encourage others through the
power of the Holy Spirit…people will notice, and people will wonder. “Where
do you get your peace? Where do you get your joy?”
That is when you point to Jesus. That is how we show them Christ. Through
prayer, love and encouragement.
That’s our directive on this rescue mission of
faith.
So, pray right now for someone. Pray for people
you know, pray for the person in front of you at the food store, pray for the
car behind you in traffic. Then encourage those you encounter.
Give a word of kindness to the server who just
dealt with a rude customer. Lend a hand to the elderly person struggling to put
groceries in their car. Compliment that co-worker that always seems to be
criticized. Offer prayer to that stranger you see with tears in their eyes
sitting alone in the coffee shop.
This is your mission if you choose to accept it! (Mission Impossible reference)
This mission isn’t impossible though…Because “You
can do all things through Christ who strengthens you!” (paraphrase of 4:13)
-Pastor Patti
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