Our Sacred Work - Lent 2020
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God
that brings salvation to everyone who believes.
Romans 1:16
Yesterday was Palm Sunday, where crowds of people called out hosannas to the coming Savior. It reminded me of a devotion I recently read from Oswald Chambers:
The Christian worker has to be a sacred “go-between.” He must be so closely identified with his Lord and the reality of His redemption that Christ can continually bring His creating life through him.
I am not referring to the strength of one individual’s personality being superimposed on another, but the real presence of Christ coming through every aspect of the worker’s life. When we preach the historical facts of the life and death of our Lord... our words are made sacred. God uses these words, on the basis of His redemption, to create something in those who listen which otherwise could never have been created...
We must make sure that we are living in such harmony with God that as we proclaim His truth He can create in others those things which He alone can do. (utmost.org/sacred-service/)
The work of our Sacred Ground program allows missionaries to go into communities where the door is normally shut to the church. And it is our responsibility to use that opportunity to sing our own hosannas.
Our God has heard the cries of pain of the Native people, and we have the privilege of lifting their heads. When we enter a new community, our goal is to create a safe place where individuals can begin their healing journey. But we would be doing them a disservice, if we did not offer the Gospel, as well.
When we leave a community, we have to trust we did all we could and rely on God to provide what we cannot. If we leave a community without Christ, I believe we leave them in a worse state than before we arrived.
We cannot be afraid to offer salvation in Christ because previous missionaries misused their power and responsibility. Our sacred service is to proclaim, disciple, and assist in the healing of generational trauma. We simply plant the seed and allow the Holy Spirit to provide the faith.
Heavenly Father, help us to see the opportunities you put in front of us to reach those who are hurting with your love, grace, and healing. Amen.