Daily Thought for Friday 28th March 2025
“And he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves …”
2 Corinthians 5.15
Missionary
Peter Wood
To many people today the word “missionary” is a term from days gone by and brings to mind images of pith helmets and of eccentric individuals. Getting beyond such popular stereotypes and digging into history can reveal individuals who were willing to put their own lives on the line so that others could know of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
In his writings Paul sees himself as a missionary – conscious that his identity does not come from nation, gender or family but from a new relationship found in Christ and that his calling – his purpose – is found in communicating by word and deed the life-changing message of Jesus.
A missionary does not presume to know everything about where he or she has been sent. Indeed much will be foreign and new. Much has to be learnt. Language, culture, customs. Living at a distance from the prevailing culture can be uncomfortable and unsettling.
For Paul, as a missionary, he does not see this present world as his home. He recognises that his first calling is to be one with his Lord (verses 7-10) and so he can talk about the present and his present body and existence not being his final destination. Confident of God’s grace in Jesus Christ he is able to talk frankly about matters of life and death. What matters is not what people think of him but what they think of Jesus Christ.
Paul is passionate about this missionary calling. “For the love of Christ urges us on…” (verse 14). “Persuading”, “convincing” others of the person of Jesus, Paul looks to make the most of every opportunity.
Love for the gospel and love for others determine everything else about his way of doing ministry.
Shall we pray?:
Christ beside me. Christ above me. Christ behind me. Christ before me. Christ in all things. Christ my way, my song, my life. Amen.
Thinking it through:
This passage echoes Paul writing in Philippians chapter 1 verse 21: “For me to live is Christ, to die is gain.” Gently place this phrase alongside your own life. What feelings and reflections come to mind?
In what ways might I be a “missionary” in the situation where I am?
What is the love of Christ “urging you on” to?
Peter Wood is the Mission Officer for the Presbytery of Lothian & Borders.