FROM THE SERVANT GENERAL
A TIME OF TRANSITION
(Part 14)
LIVING OUR NAME – 2
December 30, 2020
Today’s readings:
1 John 2:12-17
Psalm 96:7-10
Luke 2:36-40
We are Missionary Families of Christ. As we are about to end this year 2020, we reiterate to ourselves who we are, as a foundation of living out this reality in the new year 2021.
We are “of Christ.” We belong to Christ.
- As such, we cannot “love the world and the things of the world” or else “the love of the Father is not in (us).” (1 Jn 2:15). We are in the world but are not of it. We are to love God with our whole heart, mind, soul and strength. God alone.
- We are to avoid what the world offers, “for all that is in the world, sensual lust, enticement for the eyes, and a pretentious life” (1 Jn 2:16). All these “are passing away” and to remain forever we are to do the will of God (1 Jn 2:17).* We are to be prayerful, never ceasing to pray, being 24/7 for Jesus. Like the prophetess Anna, who “never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.” (Lk 2:37b). We are always to remain in God’s presence, and be in constant communion and communication with Him.
We are “families.” We work to defend, renew and strengthen families. John stresses, in different ways, the importance of family. He stresses to different family members who they are and how they are to act.
- To fathers. That they know the eternal God (1 Jn 2:13a,14b). God is our Father, and fathers are entrusted by God with His children.
- To young men. That they have victory over the evil one in Christ as they have their strength in God and in His word (1 Jn 2:13b,14c). God is enough for us.
- To children. That they are forgiven in the name of Christ and that they know God (1 Jn 2:12,14a). God is love and mercy.
We are “missionary.” We proclaim the gospel to the ends of the earth.
- We are to “declare among the nations: The Lord is king.” (Ps 96:10a). We are to proclaim the gospel in order to make disciples of all the nations.
- With great gratitude for the privilege, we are to speak about Jesus to all, so that they might meet the Redeemer. We look to the example of Anna, as “she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.” (Lk 2:38).
In our life, being of Christ, we are to grow in holiness and we “bow down to the Lord, splendid in holiness.” (Ps 96:9a). We are to be in awe of our great God, the Maker of all the earth. “Tremble before him, all the earth” (Ps 96:9b).
In our work, we look to making disciples of all the nations. This way, the nations themselves become part of the family of God, being in right relationship with Him. “Give to the Lord, you families of nations, give to the Lord glory and might; give to the Lord the glory due his name!” (Ps 96:7-8a).