Message: The Mission Close to Home (06/'24/'24)

Message: The Mission Close to Home Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Today, I want to share a reflection that is both a challenge and a call to action for each of us. In Hebrews 13:16, we are reminded, "Do not forget to do good and to share with your neighbors, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." This verse speaks profoundly to our mission as followers of Christ, especially in the context of our globalized world. We live in an age where the allure of distant lands and far-flung horizons often captivates our hearts. The idea of boarding a plane and traveling to spread the Word and save souls in unfamiliar territories is undeniably compelling. There is a noble bravery in these acts of missionary work, an undeniable zeal to fulfill the Great Commission. Yet, in our fervor to reach the ends of the earth, we must not neglect the sacred soil beneath our feet—the immediate mission field of our own neighborhoods. Imagine a bowl, cracked and leaking. No matter how far you take this bowl, it will still leak. The water that spills from it is the essence of our compassion and care. If we cannot tend to the cracks in our immediate vicinity, how can we hope to carry the fullness of our mission to distant lands? The problems of our neighbors are growing graver, more pressing, yet our gaze often turns elsewhere, seeking to heal scars in places we have yet to fully understand. The passage from Hebrews calls us to remember the significance of our local mission. It is a reminder that doing good and sharing with those nearby is a sacrifice that pleases God. The mission isn't solely about traveling far and wide; it is about the love and care we show right where we are. Water flows the same near or far, and so must our love and compassion. Our neighbors, those we see daily, reflect the heart of our mission. They are the immediate recipients of the love and grace we are called to extend. Mending the cracks in the bowls close to home, tending to the needs of those next door, is where our mission begins. This is not to diminish the importance of global missionary work, but to emphasize that our mission field is both expansive and immediate. As we navigate this global age, let us not forget the power and importance of our local witness. The true measure of our faith is found in the sacrifices we make for those we encounter every day. Each act of kindness, each moment of shared goodness, brings us closer to the heart of God. Let us commit to being missionaries in our own neighborhoods, sharing the love of Christ with those nearest to us. In every sacrifice made for a neighbor, we draw nearer to the divine. Let us mend the bowls that leak close to home, ensuring that our love and care flow abundantly wherever we go. May we be faithful stewards of the mission both near and far, pleasing God with every act of goodness we share. In Christ's love, Pastor Steven G. Lee (June 24, 2024)