Scriptures:
Matthew 28:16-20
Romans 10:14-15
Acts 2
Hebrews 10:25
Points:
1. Table (the Seat of Blessing)
2. Testimony (the Story of Jesus)
3. Togetherness (the gathering of His Church$
The Big Idea: what if mission was less about hard, and more about holy?
In this powerful message, we’re challenged to become a ‘family on mission’ by embracing three key areas: the table, our testimony, and togetherness. The story of David Livingston and the 39 giants reminds us of the profound impact our prayers and worship can have, even when we can’t see the results. We’re called to redeem our tables, transforming them from places of mere transaction to spaces of blessing, intimacy, and spiritual nourishment. This echoes Jesus’ own ministry, where He often used meals as opportunities for connection and transformation. Our personal testimonies are powerful tools for mission – sharing how Jesus has changed our lives can inspire others to seek Him. Finally, we’re reminded of the importance of togetherness, especially in an increasingly isolated world. The early church in Acts 2 demonstrates how gathering in unity can invite the Holy Spirit’s transformative presence. As we apply these principles, we become active participants in God’s mission, bringing His love and grace to our everyday environments.
Being a Family on Mission:
In a world that often feels disconnected and individualistic, there’s a powerful call echoing through the ages – a call to be a family on mission. This isn’t just about grand gestures or far-flung adventures; it’s about rediscovering our purpose in the everyday moments of life.
The story of David Livingstone, the young boy who responded to a missionary’s call with a resounding “I will go,” serves as a poignant reminder of how a single act of courage can change the course of history. Livingstone’s journey from that church in Scotland to the heart of Africa is a testament to the power of answering God’s call, no matter how impossible it may seem.
But what does it mean for us, in our modern context, to be a family on mission? How can we carry the essence of the Great Commission into our daily lives? The answer lies in three key areas: the table, our testimony, and our togetherness.
Redeeming the Table
In our fast-paced world, meals have often become transactional rather than relational. Yet, the table holds immense power as a place of blessing, connection, and transformation. Jesus Himself spent much of His ministry around tables, breaking bread with sinners and saints alike.
The Jewish tradition of Shabbat offers a beautiful picture of what our tables could be – places of joy, laughter, storytelling, and blessing. Imagine if we approached every meal, whether with family, friends, or colleagues, as an opportunity to speak life, to bless, and to truly connect. It’s said that it takes “a peck of salt” (about 8 liters!) to truly know someone. While we may not literally consume that much salt together, the principle remains – deep relationships are built over time, conversation, and shared experiences.
As we gather around our tables, we have the opportunity to demonstrate the love of the Father, to create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued. In doing so, we’re not just eating; we’re participating in a sacred act of communion, becoming one with those we share our meals with.
The Power of Testimony
Our personal stories of encounter with Jesus are powerful tools for mission. Each of us has a unique testimony of how God’s grace has transformed our lives. For some, it might be a dramatic turnaround from a destructive lifestyle. For others, it might be the quiet realization of God’s presence in the midst of ordinary life.
Regardless of the specifics, our testimonies carry weight. They are living proof of God’s ongoing work in the world. When we share our stories, we’re not just recounting past events; we’re inviting others into the ongoing narrative of God’s redemptive work.
The challenge is to overcome our hesitation and actively look for opportunities to share our testimony. It doesn’t have to be a polished presentation; sometimes, the most impactful testimonies are shared in casual conversations over coffee or during a walk with a friend. The key is to be ready to give an account of the hope that is within us (1 Peter 3:15).
Embracing Togetherness
In an age characterized by isolation and independence, there’s a radical power in simply coming together. The early church, as described in Acts 2, was marked by its unity and togetherness. They gathered regularly for teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. And it was in this context of community that the Holy Spirit moved powerfully, adding to their number daily.
This togetherness isn’t just about attending church services, though that’s certainly part of it. It’s about creating a lifestyle of connection – joining small groups, sharing meals, serving together, and supporting one another through life’s ups and downs. It’s about resisting the cultural pull towards isolation and intentionally building relationships that reflect the communal nature of the Trinity.
When we prioritize togetherness, we’re not just fulfilling a religious obligation; we’re creating an environment where God’s presence can move freely, where miracles can happen, and where lives can be transformed.
The Mission Field is Everywhere
Being a family on mission doesn’t necessarily mean packing up and moving to a foreign country (though for some, that might be the call). For most of us, our mission field is right where we are – in our workplaces, schools, neighborhoods, and homes.
The story of David Livingstone and the 39 giants serves as a powerful reminder that our prayers and worship have an impact far beyond what we can see. When we gather together, when we lift our voices in praise, when we intercede for others, we’re setting up spiritual barricades that protect and empower those on the front lines of ministry.
Every interaction, every conversation, every shared meal is an opportunity to demonstrate the love of Christ and to invite others into His story. It might be as simple as offering a kind word to a classmate, showing integrity in a business deal, or inviting a neighbor over for dinner. These seemingly small acts of obedience can have ripple effects that extend far beyond our immediate sphere of influence.
As we consider what it means to be a family on mission, let’s commit to three practical steps:
- Redeem our tables: Let’s intentionally create spaces of blessing, connection, and life-giving conversation around our meals.
- Share our testimonies: Let’s overcome our hesitation and actively look for opportunities to share how God has worked in our lives.
- Prioritize togetherness: Let’s resist isolation and intentionally build community, both within the church and with those around us.
The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Will we be the ones who say, like young David Livingstone, “I will go”? Will we be the ones who stand in the gap, who bring light into dark places, who offer hope to the hopeless?
As we step out in faith, may we remember that we carry within us the very presence of God. Like Jesus, who brought healing and transformation wherever He went, we have the opportunity to be agents of change in our spheres of influence.
Let us be a family on mission, rediscovering our purpose and living out the Great Commission in the everyday moments of life. For it is in these moments, these seemingly small acts of obedience and love, that the kingdom of God advances and lives are forever changed.
Discussion Questions
- How can we make our tables – whether at home, work, or in social settings – more intentional places of blessing and meaningful connection?
- In what ways can sharing our personal testimony of encountering Jesus be a powerful form of mission work in our everyday lives?
- How might our understanding of ‘mission’ change if we view our immediate surroundings and daily interactions as our primary mission field?
- What are some practical ways we can foster a greater sense of togetherness in our church community, especially in an age of increasing isolation?
- How does the story of David Livingston and the ’39 giants’ challenge our perceptions of the power of prayer and corporate worship?
- In what ways can we ‘fully immerse’ our worlds in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, as Jesus commanded in the Great Commission?
- How might our approach to evangelism and discipleship change if we focused more on demonstration rather than just declaration?
- What barriers might be preventing us from sharing our testimonies more freely, and how can we overcome them?
- How can we cultivate a greater awareness of the ‘mission field’ in our everyday environments, such as workplaces, schools, or neighborhoods?
- In what ways can we, as individuals and as a church, be more intentional about creating spaces for genuine community and relationship-building?
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