FROM THE SERVANT GENERAL
OUR THEME FOR 2020
(Part 82)
CALLED TO BE APOSTLES AND PROPHETS
October 20, 2020
Today’s readings:
Ephesians 2:12-22
Psalm 85:9-14
Luke 12:35-38
We are to be founded on the Rock that is Christ. Or put another way, when looking to our house as the larger house of God or the body of Christ, we are “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone.” (Eph 2:20). So Jesus is at the very center and is the very stone upon which we are built, but we also are founded on the apostles and the prophets. These are the two very important aspects of our life and work in Christ.
Apostles are those who are sent. We are sent forth by Jesus to do his very own divine work, as “he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near.” (Eph 2:17). Jesus “is our peace” (Eph 2:14a). He has reconciled us “with God, in one body, through the cross” (Eph 2:16a) and he has reconciled us to one another, as he “broke down the dividing wall of enmity, through his flesh, …. that he might create in himself one new person in place of the two, thus establishing peace” (Eph 2:14b, 15b).
Among all the gods that people worshiped in the world, God revealed Himself to His chosen people, Israel. And God revealed Himself to the pagan King Cyrus, “that you may know I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who calls you by name.” (Is 45:3b). And of course we, as the new Israel, recognize the three Persons in one God. Only true Christians do so. Muslims and cults do not recognize Jesus as God. “For the gods of the nations are idols” (Ps 96:5a).
Prophets are those who speak in the name of God. They are those who speak God’s truth, who rebuke those who go astray, who guide the people in the way they are to go.
Thus, looking to apostles and prophets on which the Church is built, we are those who are sent in order to speak in the name of Jesus, proclaiming his salvation to all.
To be built on the Rock that is Christ, we listen to and act on Jesus’ words. And Jesus, the Prince of Peace, speaks of peace. “I will listen for what God, the Lord, has to say; surely he will speak of peace to his people and to his faithful.” (Ps 85:9a). And how will his peace come upon people? This is when the gospel of salvation is proclaimed and people meet and know Christ. “Near indeed is his salvation for those who fear him” (Ps 85:10a). Then, in Jesus, “love and truth will meet; justice and peace will kiss.” (Ps 85:11).
As servants of Jesus, we are to do the work of apostles and prophets until he comes again. We are to be busy at work, “like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks.” (Lk 12:36). We are to be vigilant and prepared. “And should he come in the second or third watch and find them prepared in this way, blessed are those servants.” (Lk 12:38).
