There is a danger that we
domesticate our reading of the Bible.
What I mean is that we read it from a self-centred and self-interested
perspective. The lens that we read it
through is can become exclusively pastoral, looking for personal blessing in a
self-focused way. This is not to say
that the Bible does not speak to us in a pastoral way that brings us a fullness
of life that is intensely personal way.
However, my concern is that if we only come with this lens we miss out
on much more of the richness of scripture.
Studying at All Nations Christian
College was a significant part of my journey in reading scripture in a
different way through more of a mission lens.
In all of our biblical studies we were encouraged to read with a focus
upon the underlying story of God’s mission, his continual reaching out with
mercy and compassion to humanity.
More recently I was invited to
speak at a commissioning service of a family going out with BMS to serve in
India. I am always delighted to be at
such special occasions, and usually focus upon certain passages that have a
very obvious mission focus. However, on
this occasion I was asked to stick with the lectionary reading from Judges
2. Initially I was a little concerned as
to how I would approach this without twisting the text to say something that
wasn’t there. My fears were quickly
allayed as I read the text and saw again that great mission narrative shining
through in clear and obvious ways. There
was God’s continual seeking and saving his lost people even when they stray far
away. Then there was God’s pattern of
calling and sending out his people as his messengers of grace and love.
Can I suggest that when we read any passage we
do so through a mission lens and ask what God is saying about his mission to
the world and our part in this great adventure.
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