It is hard to believe that 2011 is almost half way through. This has been by far the most intriguing year of my life. I’ve had some major transitions and changes in life but none quite like the one I am about to encounter. The year so far has consisted of putting into play a change of vocation if you will. I have been challenged and directed more than I have been before. I took tests and went through a discovery process to evaluate my gifts and personality traits. And as usual, I’ve internalized my progression till this point of attempting to put something down in writing.
As I alluded to earlier, I am undergoing what some call a change of vocation and in legal terms a “change of status” – moving from the corporate world into a “religious” environment. I am anxiously awaiting the day to arrive when that transition occurs. I have thoroughly enjoyed being bi-vocational (working a corporate job and volunteering as a minister). I enjoy living life outside the church bubble and it has been liberating; it did take a while for me to get there though. Spending time learning and reading about Jesus’ experiences allowed the shift in my thinking; some of which have held me back in being Mission Ready.
Several books (Second Hand Jesus, Crazy Love & Radical) I have listened to recently have also catapulted me a little further. There’s a common thread in these books and they all put forth a challenge that is hard to ignore. Here are some of the things that have rocked my comfy thought process:
1. The Great Commission – not a suggestion, but a command. Matthew 28:16-20 (NIV) 16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” I was once again reminded that going was not merely for the missionaries who felt called to go but it applies to me. I think about the community my church is in, the people living in next to me and the people I work with daily – “all nations” are represented so there is no excuse for me.
2. “Live a life so radical that it demands an explanation” // “Preach the Gospel, and when necessary use words” – these quotes speak for themselves and they motivate me daily, shaping how I approach life. 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV) “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…” I am living these out as best I can even at this time. God has blessed me with a gift to play music and recently I have been thrust into the world of music outside of the church walls. God’s timing is impeccable because as I have been processing all these thoughts, I am allowed to live it out. I play music in environments where Jesus is last things on people’s minds, but by simply living out the “good news” I don’t have to use persuasive words. I am prepared to give an answer for the hope and joy I have and that in the words of my friend Jarron is “AWE…SOME!!”
3. Sufferings – Romans 8:16-17 (NIV) 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. This one, I am still unpacking. I know with leaving a decent paying job, losing the stability in that and entering a journey of faith, there will be hard times and “sufferings". My parents probably had foresight in this matter when they named me Jireh as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and provision. I do want to share in Jesus’ glory so if it means sharing in His sufferings I am all in. I am clinging on to the promise “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose…What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:28 & 31 (NIV)
Am I Mission Ready? I believe I am; as with anything in life, learning is never complete so there is more to prepare for. I have been training and continue to train. There is a term the military uses in Singapore when our national service is done, and that is we are called “Operationally Ready” men; the idea that we have gone through our training and the exercises and simulated missions and now we are ready for the real deal should we be needed to be called upon. The Great Commission is calling and it is time to engage.
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