"We are not bringing Christ to poor communities. He has been active in these communities since the creation of the world, sustaining them 'by His powerful word' (Heb. 1:3). Hence, a significant part of working in poor communities involves discovering and appreciating what God has been doing there for a long time! This should give us a sense of humility and awe as we enter poor communities, for part of what we see there reflects the very hand of God. Of course, the residents of these communities may not recognize that God has been at work. In fact, they might not even know who God is. So part of our task may include introducing the community to who God is and to helping them to appreciate all that He has been doing for them since the creation of the world."
For the sake of context, let me explain where the writer is coming from. The writer holds that God created four foundational relationships for each person: a relationship with God, with self, with others, and with the rest of creation. Because God created these relationships and these relationships created the world we now live in-- as humans interacted with their economy, social systems, religious systems, and political systems, these four relationships impacted and shaped those systems and vice-versa-- He is alive and well even within economies and communities where Christ seems to be the farthest removed. Therefore, it is impossible for us to ever bring God to a community, society, or country, because He already lives there. It is solely our job to discover God within the communities we might be serving in and help others discover the God they may not even know is living among them.
Wait. What? You're telling me that the definition of a missionary does not include "bringing God to a people, community, country, etc? Right. So while I am focused on living a missional life, bringing a light into the darkness is not part of my job description? Right again. So what am I supposed to do with myself?
Now I want you to understand that I don't walk around with a holier-than-thou attitude, and I by no means consider myself somebody who's even worth listening to, because what do I really know? So I don't explicitly consider it my duty to inform those less "spiritually adequate" than I am, because again, it's not my place to judge somebody in that way. Unfortunately, however, my understanding of poverty has been so skewed by being a North American Christian that I have implicitly assumed that I have a duty to go forth and educate, when really I need just as much help as the people I was seeking to help in the first place.
Right away when I read this, passages ran through my mind about being salt and light to the world, and I know how easy it is, as a middle class American myself, to fall into the trap of believing we can bring that light into a dark place. So to answer the question, "What am I supposed to do with myself" or more importantly "How should I define my goals as a missional Christian" I had to dig a little deeper. But the answer is really quite simple: We can BE a light in a dark place, but our only other job while in that place is to help others discover the light that is already living among them through Christ and His ministry.
Thanks for reading this slight deviation from my daily updates. I hope you enjoyed it.
-- Brenden
What if you discovered that the poor person who was thirsty, hungry, in jail or sick actually was Jesus? What would you give to him then? (See Matt 25).
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure I understand you question entirely, but I will do my best to answer you.
ReplyDeleteIn Matthew 25, I think verse 45 really sums up the point Jesus is trying to make. "I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me"
Jesus is saying quite literally, I created all things, and I am in all things, so be good stewards and love people as I have loved you.
In my post, the thesis of the latter half of Matt. 25 really permeates throughout my thesis. We can give physical belongings, such as water, food, medicine, and care for people in order to show Christ's love that He first showed us. Though that idea gets very tricky on the reservation.
But more importantly than the fact that we need to care for others and love them, is the fact that we cannot bring Jesus to those people. He's already there. Jesus is living within their community, their political structure, their economic system, etc. so it is merely our job to uncover God's presence that is already living among them.
So to answer you question, if I discovered that a poor person was actually Jesus, then I think I would be correctly pursuing a missional life. Because if I took the time to discover Jesus in the poor, instead of believing I have the right to bring Jesus to the poor, then I will more readily discover that the poor person is Jesus. Otherwise I might just miss the point.
I hope I've understood what you were asking me. If I haven't, please expound. I would love to continue this conversation.
I am wondering what you would give to Jesus.
ReplyDeleteAs for your analysis of Matt 25, (and let me say I fully understand that this form of communication is apt to leave gaps on thoughts either of us would likely correction if done face to face) I must say that I do not see Jesus making all these statements about creating all things, being in all things and/or being good stewards. Those things may in fact be true of him, but I dont see Matt 25 doing that.
Rather, Matt 25 is a judgment scene. Some go to kingdom with sheep, others to destruction with goats. The basis for this judgment is made on the giving that one did with their life. He seems to mean that you should give to the poor like you would give to him. Thus my question.
Back of my question is this idea: what gift would hurt Jesus if you gave it? This scripture suggests that you might lavish your best on the poor.
In our world, as we sinnfully order it, we tend to favor the rich (and attempt to curry favor with the rich) and ignore the poor. This would be exactly the thing condemned in Matt 25. It also is condemn in the 8th century prophets over and over. Israel goes into exile based largely on their neglect of the poor.
I see nothing in Matthew 25 that warns about harming the poor or Jesus with unwise giving. I see that notion only in the rich. I do not find it in Jesus or the poor, only in the rich. But that was not my question. That is my critique.
The question is: What would you give to Jesus? to the poor if he/she were Jesus?
First of all, I think I may have misunderstood you reference to Matt. 25. There is quite a bit in that chapter to consider.
ReplyDeleteIn regards to your critique, I have a few thoughts, but I will focus specifically on your questions.
What would I give to Jesus? I don't have anything that I could give to Jesus. I'm not worthy to give Him anything. I owe Him my life, but I am not even worthy of giving Him that. My life only has worth because of the sacrifice Jesus made for me. Beyond that, I have nothing.
That's the point I was trying to make in my original post. I have nothing I can bring to or give to the poor that is worthwhile. I have no right, because I myself am poor in my own way.
I'm sorry if I've missed the point again. For some reason, I am having a hard time really understanding your question in the context of my post.
Love.
ReplyDeleteGive him all your love. And you know what that involves? Lavishing the best you have to give.
I think you know when you are being loved. I do. And you know when you are not being loved. I do. So does the poor. So does Jesus.
If you love a person in need, you fill the need if you have the means. It really is that simple.
Blessings on your ministry.