Epiphany 5, February 5, 2006

Texts: 1 Corinthians 9:16-23; Mark 1:29-39

Doing Whatever It Takes

In 1997 Universal Pictures released the movie, The Apostle. In the opening scene, Sonny, the main character, is riding in the car with his mother. They come upon a car accident. Sonny runs over to the car where the victims can’t move or be moved. He briefly explains the gospel and asks if they want him to pray with them so they can receive Jesus. Although they can hardly move, we see them nod, yes. At that time the police officer tells him he has to leave. Sonny fights him off long enough to pray. He prays with them as a tear goes down the face of the boy. He mouths a thank you and grips the hand of the girl. Sonny runs off singing a song of thanks to the Lord. Truly this is his life, or so it seems.
What do you think about that kind of commitment to reaching those who don’t know Jesus? We might not be comfortable with the brashness of Sonny’s style, but could we do that kind of thing if the situation called for it?

The zeal Sonny exhibited in the opening of the movie is not unlike that of the Apostle Paul whom we heard say: “Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible… I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some” (19, 22). If there was ever a true apostle of God who had the zeal to reach the lost it was Paul. He truly modeled Jesus with his life. For Jesus also did whatever was necessary to win the lost, even eating and drinking with sinners and outcasts (Matthew 11:19).

In our Epistle text Paul gives us a peek at his emerging lifestyle. It’s an inspiring image of life lived with a clear sense of direction. You want a purpose-driven life? Paul nails it here! Every day he gives himself fully to reaching others who don’t know Jesus. At every turn in his life, Paul has a goal to reach someone specific. And he knows the people he needs to reach. He understands their sensitivities and needs so well that he is able to distinguish them into four types of people: 1. Those who are Jews by birth; 2. Those who are God-fearers who have been attracted to Judaism; 3. Those who are weak in their faith, who are vulnerable to peer-pressure; and 4. Those who are strong in their faith.

Each of these types of people needs to hear the Gospel applied to their lives in a specific way. And Paul is able to do that because he knows them. He knows them because he has identified with them. He was even willing to become like them. He did not expect them to become like him first, but he became their servant so that nothing might hinder the communication of the Gospel. He tried as best as he could not to cause any unnecessary offence or hindrance by being insensitive to the needs or the situation of those who needed to hear the Gospel. He did this because he knew that God loves all people, no matter who they are. And so it was his purpose in life to do whatever it takes so people might know God’s love.

I have heard it said that the ultimate purpose of life is to worship God. And where worship does not exist, there is mission. Mission exists to bring people to worship the one and true God. Once Christ returns all people will acknowledge Him as King and Lord. Then “missions” will become obsolete as it is replaced by worship. But for now it is our task as God’s people to do the work of mission, of sharing and inviting people into a relationship with Christ our Lord so that together we may worship Him in truth and righteousness, both now and for all eternity.

As we consider the ministry of our own church it is good for us to remember that our church does not just exist to serve our needs. God has placed us here as a light house in a mission field. We are to emit a beacon of light that guides people to our Lord Jesus Christ. To do that, we must be focused like Paul. We must first know the people of our community. And secondly, we must do whatever we can to identify with them.

So what about our community? The community in which our church is located is believed to be the most densely populated area in North America. It is also regarded as the most multicultural community in all the world! I just heard a report that about 160 different languages are spoken within a 5-minute walking distance of this church! Can you imagine that? God has literally brought the world to the doorstep of our church. And I would venture to guess that three are at least 20,000 in our neighbourhood who are not members of any church or who have not had the opportunity to receive Jesus.

Considering these unique circumstances, what do you think God is telling us? What do think God would have us do? Do you know what it would take to communicate the Gospel to this vast number of people who come from all over the world and speak 160 different languages?

First we must know the people. We know that most people in our community are newcomers. Many are new to Canada. Many are struggling to establish themselves, to improve their English, or to find a job. Many people are students at one of the educational institutions in this city. Others have moved here to find work. These are a few things we have learned about our community.

By God’s grace we have taken some steps to identify with these people. 26 years ago we started a Chinese mission. 19 years ago a mission among Koreans was begun. 3 years ago we welcomed an Ethiopian mission into our midst. Currently we are preparing to start a mission among people from Sudan. Four years ago we also began an English-as-a-Second Language ministry to newcomers which has attracted people from a number of different backgrounds. Our young adult, youth and Sunday school ministries have all been used by God to help us identify with various people who live in our community and share the Gospel with them.

While this may sound impressive I believe there is still much that needs to be done. I do not believe that we are quite there yet. I do not believe that we can say that we have done whatever it takes to reach those who are lost. As we go about the business of “doing church,” we must not forget the mission field God has placed us in. Jesus came to seek and save the lost. He did whatever it took to save us from our sins. As His disciples may it also be our desire to do whatever it takes to seek and save the lost who live among us.

And we are not alone. By God’s grace we are part of Lutheran Church-Canada. We have brothers and sisters who prayerfully support us right across our nation. The mission work of our congregation here in the heart of Toronto has also been supported by the congregations of our Synod, the East District, the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League as well as Hospitality Ministry.

Yes, we are not alone! Our mission here is part of the mission of all of God’s people. Let us therefore not lose heart, but continue faithfully in our mission with greater zeal, in order that we may win as many people for Christ as possible! May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit keep your hearts and minds in His peace. Amen