Just as You sent Me into the world, I also sent them into the world. (John 17:18, NASB)
Great question. If we are sent into this world, where are we to go with this heavenly commission? Being sent sounds like an enormous task because we want to do it all and change the world. Right?
Remember, it is not what we do but responding to what has already been done for us that propels and challenges us.
The answer is quite simple. Micah 6:8 says it so well, “He has told you, mortal one, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
So, how do you do this? We are sent, but how do we do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God? Glad you asked. I now have a three-point throw-down sermon that I am learning, especially as I get older and set in my ways. I need a reminder. Your response may vary, but we all should respond to being sent.
#1 – Stay on the trail. One of our Links Fellowships is named the On-Trail Fellowship. We have been meeting for 17 years and habitually nudging each other back on the trail because we all tend to wander. We have been there for each other during many of life’s difficulties. We’ve experienced a lot together. There are no lone rangers in the faith journey.
#2 – Look for the burning bushes. We miss divine appointments and holy moments each day by running so fast. We need to slow down. Moses and Joshua experienced these moments but were wise enough to take off their shoes and notice (see Exodus 3:5 and Joshua 5:15). Taking their shoes off sanctified the holy moment to worship God better. God willing, we get many of these moments if we slow down and notice because heaven is crammed into every common experience here.
“Earth’s crammed with heaven,
And every common bush afire with God,
But only he who sees takes off his shoes;
The rest sit round and pluck blackberries.”
Elizabeth Barrett Browning
#3 – Make the chili. Here is the story. Two old friends are playing golf together as they have for many years. One just lost his wife of 50 years. The other was the caregiver for his wife. The caregiver friend said to his friend who had just lost his wife, “Yea, she wants me to make her some chili. She loves my chili, but it takes all day to cook, and I am tired and don’t have all the ingredients. It is a hassle to make. Yada, yada, yada.” To which his friend responded, “Make the chili.”
Sometimes, being a caregiver is the greatest opportunity we will ever have. We need to make the most of the time we have. “Make the chili.” And it is not just being a caregiver. Sometimes, it means emptying the dishwasher or vacuuming. Can you imagine? Or it could be as simple as listening and overlooking. “Make the chili.”
In the end, Jesus sent us to stay on the trail with him and to notice the burning bushes. Our just, kind, and humble response is often to make the chili. Our lives are full of so many small choices. Choose well.
Closing prayer – God, your goal for us is very simple. Stay close to you as we observe your wonders and respond mercifully and humbly. Thank you. I will choose obedience.