GOD'S MISSION -- OUR MISSION
The last Sunday in October is celebrated by Reformed and Protestant churches as Reformation Sunday. On 30th October 1517 Martin Luther issued his 95 Thesis in which he challenged certain theological beliefs and practices in the Roman Catholic Church. The concepts of sola Gratia (by grace alone), sola fide (faith alone), sola Christus (Christ alone) and sola scriptura (scripture alone) became the key principles of the Reformation. Among these teachings was the Reformers focus on the materially poor and needy. It is thus not surprising that John Calvin and Martin Luther's reformation within the church brought about socio-economic and political reforms as well.
The parable of the Great Banquet tells us about the invitation extended by a host to people to come to dinner - a sign of grace, hospitality and kindness. However, the socially elite found excuses and not valid reasons as to why they could not attend. We are told in verse 21 that "the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and lame." Now, this verse would be problematic if it stood on its own since it would give the impression that the poor and needy are an afterthought when the wealthy and privileged refused the invitation. It is therefore important to read it in the context of verse 12 earlier where Jesus points out to the host that he should not just invite friends, family and rich neighbours who can pay you back instead they should invite the poor, crippled, lame and the blind. This, incidentally, is God's mission as expressed by Jesus in Luke 4:18, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, and the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free..."
God's mission is to save the world. God invites us to repent and believe so that we may enter into God's Kingdom (reign). The Kingdom is not only spiritual but promises health, healing, wholeness, and peace for all creation. God invites us to join with God in the mission to save, heal and transform the world to mirror God's justice and peace, as the Reformers taught us. The concept of the priesthood of all believers tell us that we each have the responsibility to respond to God's invitation and to also go out and invite others into God's loving, saving and forgiving presence. This is our God-given invitation and mission! What's your excuse?
| At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, `Come, for everything is now ready.' "But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, `I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.' "Another said, `I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I'm on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.' "Still another said, `I just got married, so I can't come.' "The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, `Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.' |
Jerry Pillay is married to Sandra and they have three fabulous children.
This brings us to the end of the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa's "Month of Mission" as arranged by the Mission and Discipleship Committee of General Assembly. Grateful Thanks are expressed to: Ruth Armstrong, Richard M'kandawire, Hein Barnard, Brian Mazanhi, Wayne van Heerden and Theo Groeneveld who arranged, collected, edited and disseminated the devotions. Special Gratitude goes to Sipho Mtwetwa (our Moderator), Peter Langerman (our Past moderator), Lydia Neshangwe (our Moderator designate), Lungile Mpetsheni (our General Secretary), Anna Banda, Melanie Cook, Christopher Mkandawire, Hein Barnard, Paul Neshangwe, Jane Nyirongo, Judith Mkandawire, Tatenda Garande, Lihai Bercovich, Patricia Phiri, Faresi Sakala, Lazarus Chirwa, Thompson Nota, Natalie Barnard, James Lungu, Susan Mumba, Gavin Vaaltyn, Amos Nyirenda, Willingmore Mhlanga, Mautji Pataki, Allan Mchulu, Dephine Murove, Bukelwa Hans, Chala Habisela, Sam Ruzivo, and Jerry Pillay who wrote the devotions.
This mailing list will now revert to the "EmmDevs" written by Theo Groeneveld of Emmanuel Presbyterian from Tue-Fri.
This brings us to the end of the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa's "Month of Mission" as arranged by the Mission and Discipleship Committee of General Assembly. Grateful Thanks are expressed to: Ruth Armstrong, Richard M'kandawire, Hein Barnard, Brian Mazanhi, Wayne van Heerden and Theo Groeneveld who arranged, collected, edited and disseminated the devotions. Special Gratitude goes to Sipho Mtwetwa (our Moderator), Peter Langerman (our Past moderator), Lydia Neshangwe (our Moderator designate), Lungile Mpetsheni (our General Secretary), Anna Banda, Melanie Cook, Christopher Mkandawire, Hein Barnard, Paul Neshangwe, Jane Nyirongo, Judith Mkandawire, Tatenda Garande, Lihai Bercovich, Patricia Phiri, Faresi Sakala, Lazarus Chirwa, Thompson Nota, Natalie Barnard, James Lungu, Susan Mumba, Gavin Vaaltyn, Amos Nyirenda, Willingmore Mhlanga, Mautji Pataki, Allan Mchulu, Dephine Murove, Bukelwa Hans, Chala Habisela, Sam Ruzivo, and Jerry Pillay who wrote the devotions.
This mailing list will now revert to the "EmmDevs" written by Theo Groeneveld of Emmanuel Presbyterian from Tue-Fri.
