“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14, NIV)

When we think of “missions”, we have the idea that it involves going far away and doing something super spiritual to tell other people about Jesus. We think that missions is for special Christians, and not something that ordinary people do.

However, when God “did” missions, he became one of us. The eternal Word became flesh, and “moved into the neighbourhood” as Eugene Peterson puts it in The Message in John 1:14. This verse gives us a fresh way of understanding missions for today.

Identifying with those around us

First, God became like us; the Word became flesh. In becoming one of us, Jesus, though he was God, took on human frailty by taking the form of a servant made in human likeness (Philippians 2:5-7). 

Sometimes we Christians come across as superhuman, as though we’re better than those around us. Instead, we can be like Jesus, and not be afraid to show our frailty. Sometimes we do not have it all together; at other times we struggle with all the competing demands made on us.

But it is our Christian faith and worldview, and Jesus’ example, which enable us to live joyfully in the struggles. It is a way for us to connect with others.

By becoming one of us, Jesus shows that missions involves identifying with others around us. We are the same, but different. We show our joys and frustrations about life, the struggles we have with our kids, and yet we also demonstrate the hope that we have in Christ. We show that because we can draw strength from God, we have an eternal perspective to the problems and issues that we face.

Everyday missions

Second, Jesus came to live with us, the Word dwelling among us. The spaces where we live are our homes, workplaces, schools, neighbourhoods and social networks. We interact regularly with our neighbours, coworkers and fellow parents.

So missions is also seeing and acknowledging those with whom we are in contact on a daily or regular basis.

At work, we notice when our colleagues need a helping hand during a busy period, or would like to be invited for lunch. May it be that wherever we are, our presence is welcomed because we share the sweet fragrance of Christ. 

Missions, then, is not just for the super Christians, nor does it happen only when we do “spiritual” things. Rather, we seek to become the “Word made flesh” wherever we are.

It involves intentionally living well with our neighbours and friends, and looking for ways to show them a reason for the hope that we have in Christ.

It could mean listening to a co-worker grumble, or it could be an opportunity to pray with our next-door neighbour and bring them to faith in Jesus.

Let us be the Word made flesh where we are.

Pray

Lord Jesus, You are the Word made flesh. We thank You that You were willing to give up Your glory to be one of us.

By Your Holy Spirit, empower us to keep close to You so that we can follow Your example, showing You to those we are in contact with each day. Give us courage to be vulnerable to our neighbours. Help us to make Your love and grace real in our lives so that all those whom we meet may see You in us. Amen.

Ponder

1. Recall the times when God was your strength when you were weak. Give thanks to Him for His power and grace in your life.

2. Who are the people around you where you live, where you study or work, and in other social groups to which you belong? Ask the Lord for wisdom to see them as He sees them, and pray for opportunities to show them God’s love and truth.

3. In what ways can you be “the Word made flesh” to your friends and colleagues, showing them God’s goodness and mercy in everyday matters?

This devotion was first published in “Dwell: An Invitation to Rest, Reflect and Renew” by Blue Mountain Kelong (www.bluemountainkelong.com), and is republished with permission. 

The devotional book, which includes 25 reflections on Creation, Hospitality, Rest and Mission by such Christian leaders as Dr Tan Lai Yong, Leow Wen Pin and Rev Dr Keith Lai, goes towards the mission of Blue Mountain Kelong Social Enterprise, which strives to awaken hope and transform lives through community development.

Books can be purchased at $12 here.

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