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Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Reflection - Making Disciples - The Cross And The Missionary Enterprise

Source (book): "Making All Things New", 52 Reflections to Challenge the Way You Live, Chapter 50, "The Cross And The Missionary Enterprise", Page 262.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012


 The cross of our Lord Jesus Christ is, in many ways, at the heart of missions.
PHOTO: The cross of our Lord Jesus Christ is, in many ways, at the heart of missions. Let me invite you to a brief meditation on the cross and what it has to say about our missionary enterprise.

First, the cross is about Christ and the salvation. He brings through the shedding of His blood. In a world that demanded spectacular entertainment and worldly wisdom, the apostle Paul set out the content of his preaching: "Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified" (1 Corinthians 1:22-23). Later, Paul insisted: "I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified" (1 Corinthians 2:2). The cross brings into sharp focus our message - the good news about Jesus Christ.

It is possible that the cross may be lost in a sea of symbols. Today, we gasp at the way pop stars wear the cross while strutting about on stage, with nary a thought of the cross' life-changing significance. We who are involved in the missionary enterprise must keep the cross visible and clearly articulate (showing the ability to speak fluently and coherently) the truth it express about our Lord.

Second, the cross speaks of the depth of God's love, as expressed so beautifully in this Charles Wesley hymn:

O Love divine, what hast Thou done!
The immortal God hath died for me!
The Father's co-eternal Son
bore all my sins upon the tree.
The immortal God for me hath died.
My Lord, my Love, is crucified.

The heart of mission is the love of God - God's love for us, and our responsive love for Him - compelling us to reach out to a lost and suffering world. The orphaned girl in Cambodia, the destitute family in Nepal, the young man trapped in the prison of drug addiction in Thailand - we reach out to them in mission because of God's profound love.

Third, the cross shows us not only the truth about Christ and the love of God, but also the way God works. The seeming powerlessness of the cross stands in stark contrast with the raw power and might of the sword and the spear (Matthew 26:51-54). The mission of Jesus was to be fulfilled not with the power of the sword (or wealth), but with the power of love. People will not become true disciples of Christ by being coerced or by being bribed with money. They will only follow Jesus through being convinced by truth and love. The success of our missionary enterprise depends on love for the lost and needy, love that is rooted in the love of God. No technique or tool, no wealth or resource, can ever replace this essential requirement.

The cross also shows us the cost of love. There is no pain-free mission. Often, suffering is involved when we reach out to people with God's truth and love. Sacrifice is frequently demanded in the missionary enterprise. God's mission has a way of leading us beyond our comfort zones, for it is also the way of the cross. Jesus invites us to deny ourselves and take up our cross to follow Him on this way (Luke 9:23). In the history of mission, many chose to follow Jesus on this way, setting aside the small ambitions of this passing world, choosing a life of faith over a life of comfort. We too are challenged to do likewise.

Let us understand who God is, and what He is doing. Let us be a people of the cross who love Jesus and see the world with His eyes. In a moment of stillness, let us apprehend the truth and love found on the cross, and respond with humility and sacrifice. May our churches be churches in mission, with as many involved in missions as possible. Our resources need to be offered in sacrifice, with compassion and wisdom. Let us reach out to people with the truth and love of God. We must be willing to pay the price demanded by the cross, because it is the only way to reach those in need.
Picture posted by luboschlubny, Vecteezy - Path to hope and salvation leading to the cross at sunset
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha36CJ7zu1CJmPxTia9zBA5vuuxQLoxhohX-xTYXGfjQMYDWL80S7jYQD4IlfXnJFyuxjhRSlYjKxFDsr16YiNDc008BZ0Rnci1mKN29lVreuih6DUUXUsvjMu6PRp8hoXo5iusblMm-YytSh3d9HzVLHmUrRUxykAqOxOG0Oq0-XnPlvcXYXP7oo_-eY/s2940/cross-at-sunset-photo.jpg
https://static.vecteezy.com/system/resources/previews/055/740/868/large_2x/path-to-hope-and-salvation-leading-to-the-cross-at-sunset-photo.jpg
https://www.vecteezy.com/photo/55740868-path-to-hope-and-salvation-leading-to-the-cross-at-sunset


The cross of our Lord Jesus Christ is, in many ways, at the heart of missions. Let me invite you to a brief meditation on the cross and what it has to say about our missionary enterprise.

First, the cross is about Christ and the salvation. He brings through the shedding of His blood. In a world that demanded spectacular entertainment and worldly wisdom, the apostle Paul set out the content of his preaching: "Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified" (1 Corinthians 1:22-23). Later, Paul insisted: "I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified" (1 Corinthians 2:2). The cross brings into sharp focus our message - the good news about Jesus Christ.


 First, the cross is about Christ and the salvation.
PHOTO: First, the cross is about Christ and the salvation. He brings through the shedding of His blood. In a world that demanded spectacular entertainment and worldly wisdom, the apostle Paul set out the content of his preaching: "Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified" (1 Corinthians 1:22-23). Later, Paul insisted: "I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified" (1 Corinthians 2:2). The cross brings into sharp focus our message - the good news about Jesus Christ.
Picture posted by Colonial Independent Baptist Church - God’s Bridge To Eternal Life
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQ-TmuvTqQ1pkXcuqXS0hvSTzogK5L_vyLs8UqqtCh-gB1dmberIrOJeLOtY8igXN7r1Gqi2yHBkYPX5eBINVG1DunMi11qfLaRimQrpuALOhNKqkw7OVbyfBZMoFtrdOkvbui9UaA3OIVU4ogsEmr7oT-wAJPQfY1qI9u4HVSv4-3nE8J2uLgvWgsQM/s900/gb17.jpg
https://colonialibc.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/gb17.jpg
https://colonialibc.org/gods-bridge-to-eternal-life/


It is possible that the cross may be lost in a sea of symbols. Today, we gasp at the way pop stars wear the cross while strutting about on stage, with nary a thought of the cross' life-changing significance. We who are involved in the missionary enterprise must keep the cross visible and clearly articulate (showing the ability to speak fluently and coherently) the truth it express about our Lord.

Second, the cross speaks of the depth of God's love, as expressed so beautifully in this Charles Wesley hymn:

O Love divine, what hast Thou done!
The immortal God hath died for me!
The Father's co-eternal Son
bore all my sins upon the tree.
The immortal God for me hath died.
My Lord, my Love, is crucified.
https://place.asburyseminary.edu/richardouglas/12/

The heart of mission is the love of God - God's love for us, and our responsive love for Him - compelling us to reach out to a lost and suffering world. The orphaned girl in Cambodia, the destitute family in Nepal, the young man trapped in the prison of drug addiction in Thailand - we reach out to them in mission because of God's profound love.


 The heart of mission is the love of God
PHOTO: The heart of mission is the love of God - God's love for us, and our responsive love for Him - compelling us to reach out to a lost and suffering world. The orphaned girl in Cambodia, the destitute family in Nepal, the young man trapped in the prison of drug addiction in Thailand - we reach out to them in mission because of God's profound love.
Picture posted by Vimala Praisy
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgttkyjm999XEWmxCmMA6tsB55lHdBmCt34_M6AUOM8Pu7KKq-aJi3bEymWr9TlVBYIO-Y7O5irMnWQiJGCBenEacl6k6KSPo0b9DU9qbsDAO3ACZk8Gl-VxYrh_Yok59AChuEL4DRP8WCYQ5qZja6ud8Yr5Q068ySEDwalBR7Dy0NhgyU554aRLAhiILo/s1024/435ebb1923e345b0dc31b5890d084c55.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/1200x/43/5e/bb/435ebb1923e345b0dc31b5890d084c55.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/312366924174808520/


Third, the cross shows us not only the truth about Christ and the love of God, but also the way God works. The seeming powerlessness of the cross stands in stark contrast with the raw power and might of the sword and the spear (Matthew 26:51-54). The mission of Jesus was to be fulfilled not with the power of the sword (or wealth), but with the power of love. People will not become true disciples of Christ by being coerced or by being bribed with money. They will only follow Jesus through being convinced by truth and love. The success of our missionary enterprise depends on love for the lost and needy, love that is rooted in the love of God. No technique or tool, no wealth or resource, can ever replace this essential requirement.


 Third, the cross shows us not only the truth about Christ and the love of God, but also the way God works.
PHOTO: Third, the cross shows us not only the truth about Christ and the love of God, but also the way God works. The seeming powerlessness of the cross stands in stark contrast with the raw power and might of the sword and the spear (Matthew 26:51-54). The mission of Jesus was to be fulfilled not with the power of the sword (or wealth), but with the power of love. People will not become true disciples of Christ by being coerced or by being bribed with money. They will only follow Jesus through being convinced by truth and love. The success of our missionary enterprise depends on love for the lost and needy, love that is rooted in the love of God. No technique or tool, no wealth or resource, can ever replace this essential requirement.
Picture posted ny Alexandra Serafina
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieE5W-tbEOiGHDfjLAE7J8VktJy_6ePsD_9Jlwn5WRU8FqWoffH-3pU_nI7LoYj8LONpKtT9u00EJah7dIMb7b8P2P1yxCXY9vk5LPR-NQdaiIDXq5YanMo41o39n4q_Q5ouCX1IDZjeMcLBwZ-iNtqJbYWE9P10z9icf36jYimngW8cR47d7hUxFwFeE/s1200/9d53b240123b03b2259d75766a2e68d0.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/1200x/9d/53/b2/9d53b240123b03b2259d75766a2e68d0.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/844073155197190703/


The cross also shows us the cost of love. There is no pain-free mission. Often, suffering is involved when we reach out to people with God's truth and love. Sacrifice is frequently demanded in the missionary enterprise. God's mission has a way of leading us beyond our comfort zones, for it is also the way of the cross. Jesus invites us to deny ourselves and take up our cross to follow Him on this way (Luke 9:23). In the history of mission, many chose to follow Jesus on this way, setting aside the small ambitions of this passing world, choosing a life of faith over a life of comfort. We too are challenged to do likewise.


 The cross also shows us the cost of love.
PHOTO: The cross also shows us the cost of love. There is no pain-free mission. Often, suffering is involved when we reach out to people with God's truth and love. Sacrifice is frequently demanded in the missionary enterprise. God's mission has a way of leading us beyond our comfort zones, for it is also the way of the cross. Jesus invites us to deny ourselves and take up our cross to follow Him on this way (Luke 9:23). In the history of mission, many chose to follow Jesus on this way, setting aside the small ambitions of this passing world, choosing a life of faith over a life of comfort. We too are challenged to do likewise.
Picture posted by Gift Art Design - Jesus helping a weary man carry a large cross
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDARWKHLk9p3vMMPc61pkxeQwvQ_guEX8WBjOGh8Zh5sCd6Xc2c6K_2eQ1cerA1EGDtVH1dBX_0r8qu5djRa_oXXP4OEBe9K_jGUi0xGkT-o2Qlyynma-xa36c513XhGklcNOuWjXIJ8OaBOE4Z3VMtJPYgnvalkYPx3p6b6SWI5JTaQCbIK8LkAXexb8/s1200/1875856f32a723a36a1b546baa20b435.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/1200x/18/75/85/1875856f32a723a36a1b546baa20b435.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/4996249582159288/


Let us understand who God is, and what He is doing. Let us be a people of the cross who love Jesus and see the world with His eyes. In a moment of stillness, let us apprehend the truth and love found on the cross, and respond with humility and sacrifice. May our churches be churches in mission, with as many involved in missions as possible. Our resources need to be offered in sacrifice, with compassion and wisdom. Let us reach out to people with the truth and love of God. We must be willing to pay the price demanded by the cross, because it is the only way to reach those in need.


 Let us understand who God is, and what He is doing.
PHOTO: Let us understand who God is, and what He is doing. Let us be a people of the cross who love Jesus and see the world with His eyes. In a moment of stillness, let us apprehend the truth and love found on the cross, and respond with humility and sacrifice. May our churches be churches in mission, with as many involved in missions as possible. Our resources need to be offered in sacrifice, with compassion and wisdom. Let us reach out to people with the truth and love of God. We must be willing to pay the price demanded by the cross, because it is the only way to reach those in need.
Picture posted by Boles Nesim
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNbTs-PIiH-NpiE6isFebiO8vDH72BP7itsD_NONgcM2d4DhWmNLAOXHg7ZEH-x0CgFHdQYgo9sbydj8eN1dVYEwlVMXNZx1jx1Ycugwe0-yQZ-tbnTI1fBKurhcXfmk3n2z8jdDZhycjEiyDncPX2vlHNVKZVToYxS_YOmGB9lhipAbYREzrfCnRKRo/s1308/f81a2cd3988acb7291df5d15b398a36c.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/1200x/f8/1a/2c/f81a2cd3988acb7291df5d15b398a36c.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/506725395592887835/
 

 Dear Lord
PHOTO: "Dear Lord, we pray that we understand who God is, and what He is doing.

Let us be a people of the cross who love Jesus and see the world with His eyes.

In a moment of stillness, let us apprehend the truth and love found on the cross, and respond with humility and sacrifice.

May our churches be churches in mission, with as many involved in missions as possible.

Our resources need to be offered in sacrifice, with compassion and wisdom. Let us reach out to people with the truth and love of God.

May we be willing to pay the price demanded by the cross, because it is the only way to reach those in need.

Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen."
Picture posted by The Golden Arrow
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiB2w8bQ3dmoInEfyYK94grP9FsshXwQDn-lPMRDEyygxp5AHwodVzu7h1RMfvIUjT8x7v00yNOP_uOPTobaAi3vgCiQnaMD9TCl1CcpaihCkxIdTL03AK2s9zDtajNVN6aVoj9yn8DCBRZSHSyaHbNd9c37eX7RwdGKRtHHcJ4Q0G2gIXSJqYyXNTxgU/s1522/1f8df8b4ef8f5af27325298ad0ff82e0_1.png
https://i.pinimg.com/1200x/1f/8d/f8/1f8df8b4ef8f5af27325298ad0ff82e0.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/5418462046289002/

Reflection - Making Disciples - The Cross And The Missionary Enterprise
Source (book): "Making All Things New", 52 Reflections to Challenge the Way You Live, Chapter 50, "The Cross And The Missionary Enterprise", Page 262.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012



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Reference
[1] From "Making All Things New", 52 Reflections to Challenge the Way You Live, Copyright @ 2022 by Robert M. Solomon, Chapter 50, "The Cross And The Missionary Enterprise", Page 262.

Links


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