The Word Made Flesh

How are they to call on one they have not believed in? And how are they to believe in one they have not heard of? And how are they to hear without someone preaching to them? (Romans 10:14 NET)

I do not know what I did before email. I love it. As an aspiring writer, it provides me a daily outlet to unleash my creativity. Even writing a simple note can give me a feeling of great satisfaction. But over the ten years or so that I have been able to email, I have made an important discovery. Email is not a good replacement for conversations. It has its place and is a very useful tool, but it can only go so far. Sometimes you absolutely positively must say it face-to-face.

The same truth applies to our relationship with God. I find it interesting that even though we have the Bible – God’s Word in written form – it alone is generally not enough. God chooses to still use human messengers. In fact, that is how He designed us. We were made for relationships.

So it should not surprise us that Jesus is referred to as the Word become flesh. And even though we cannot experience Him directly 2,000 or so years later, we do experience Him through His body, the church. The Gospel was never intended to only be handed out as a tract or broadcast over the TV. While God has at times used those methods, they almost always are just a tool that supplements what someone hears and sees in a flesh and blood believer that he or she knows.

Every Kingdom Partner we support is really an extension of that first Christmas. Jesus said, “Just as the Father has sent me, I also send you” (John 20:21 NET). Obeying His command to make disciples of every people group usually requires that someone personally go to the people group. So as you celebrate Christmas, I hope it is more than just a fun time opening gifts with your family. Take time to personally share with others your relationship with God, and support and encourage our Kingdom Partners who are doing the same thing around the world.

Kingdom Partner Holidays

I remember spending Thanksgiving in Berlin, Germany back in 1998. I was returning from a mission trip in Russia and arranged to stay for a few days with Patrick. I had met him while he lived in Texas as an international student. He and some of his friends who had also lived in the States as international students wanted to continue the tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving. But even though they were native Germans, could speak the language and knew well the stores in this modern country, they still had a really rough time finding some of the elements that make up a traditional Turkey dinner. I can only imagine what it is like for foreigner living in Africa, Asia, or the Middle East.

Now think about Kingdom partners you know. Many of them live far from family in another country with a different culture. Imagine spending Thanksgiving or Christmas without relatives or the familiar traditions you have enjoyed since you were a child. While these missionaries gladly make this sacrifice, it still can be hard during the holidays.

You can make a difference by simply sending a Christmas card this year. It doesn’t have to be fancy. It doesn’t have to contain a letter (though a brief personal note would be greatly appreciated). Sending a card lets them know they have not been forgotten and it gives them a tangible piece of our Christmas tradition. You don’t have to send one to every Kingdom Partner you know (though you can if you want!). Choose one or two that you know – or want to know – and drop them a card in the mail today.

WWJD

WWJD. Remember when the latest fad was wearing clothes or jewelry that had the initials for the phrase “What would Jesus do?” The intent was good, but it got old quickly. Worse yet, it often was answered with shallow thinking. (For example: A “loving” Jesus would never… [fill in the blank with whatever cause you want to defend].)

The reality is Jesus rarely did what we might predict or expect. When Jesus learned that Lazarus was dying, what did He do? Go heal him? Send a sympathy scroll? No, He stayed away from His close friend until he died. Yes, Jesus then raised Lazarus from the dead, but who would have responded to WWJD with that as an option?

Consider Christmas. WWJD? Sure, it is easy now to say Jesus would be born to a humble family in an obscure small town in an occupied country. But who would have guessed it? And to be born as a baby in the first place? Inconceivable.

Most important of all, consider Easter. The idea that Jesus would suffer and die for us? Simply ludicrous. We may shake our heads in wonder that the disciples didn’t get it when He predicted His death and resurrection, but I seriously doubt we would have done much better. In fact, many still don’t get it. It truly is something we would not have offered as an answer to WWJD.

While Jesus’ character was consistent (He always displayed love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, etc.), His actions were led not by a simplistic view of showing an act of kindness, but by a vision for what would be the greatest possible act of kindness. When he threw the money changers out of the Temple or took on the hypocritical religious leaders, it was an act of love and kindness done with gentleness and patience.

So as we “make disciples of every people group,” let’s make sure we are training them to be followers of the real Jesus, not the weak caricature so often portrayed.