Knowing what the mission is – a step on the journey

NORSK 
I have always been focused on the mission, and as I have grown older, it has become even stronger. A couple of days back, I made a point of the fact that it was not only ‘one’ step on the journey of getting to know Jesus, but ‘a’ step because it takes many steps to know Jesus intimately. 

In the same way as there is only ‘one’ Jesus, there is also only ‘one’ mission. However, even in relation to the ‘one’ mission it takes many steps to get to know it so well that the mission becomes an integral part of my identity.

When Simon had made his confession and was affirmed and given the name Peter (rock), Jesus continued:

“…on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”
Matt 16:18

St Peter's Basilica in Rome was built on the spot believed to be the place where Peter was crucified. This was done to symbolize the connection between Peter and the church. The image works well as long as there are no theological strings attached, because in the end the confession is the rock. A church without the confession, is merely a humanitarian organization. There is nothing wrong in being a humanitarian organization, but that is not the whole mission.

That is one of the reasons why the Army has been busy ascertaining that we are 'one' army with 'one' mission. This has become a challenge because we have a strong desire to build a church for those who share our call to the mission, and we have an equally strong desire to alleviate suffering in the world, which is a part of the ‘one’ mission. We do not have a dual mission in the meaning of ‘two’. It is an integrated mission that is based on the 'one' message, which again is based on the 'one' confession. The 'one' confession is the starting point for the journey up to Jerusalem - step by step.

‘Manna’ for today:

To get to know the mission takes more than one step

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(1) I stand where Peter stood - at least when it comes to the confession. St. Peter's Basilica - July 2013.

Knowing who I am - a step on the journey

NORSK
For the pilgrimage together with Jesus, it is important that I am aware of who I am and what my status is. After Peter made his 'good confession' (1), he received this affirmation from Jesus:

“Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter…”
Matt 16:17-18a

What did Peter know about himself after this affirmation?
 
1. God has shown me something

This is not unique to Peter, for God speaks and calls upon all human beings (2) through many channels (3)

2. I have accepted what God has shown me

This is possible for all people (4)

3. The confession I have given is important for me

Without this confession he had not been affirmed as Peter. (5)

4. The confession is important also for other people

Because it is the confession that is the 'rock' = Peter.

Point four forms the starting point for reflection tomorrow. Peter was unique, but it applies to all people, including me.

‘Manna’ for today:

I know who I am in Christ.

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(1) Cf. 1 Tim 6:12
(2) The Mighty One, God, the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to where it sets.
Psalm 50:1
(3) Primarily, God speaks through His Word, but he also speaks in through the nature and our conscience and through our fellow believers.
(4) John 1:12
(5) As quoted yesterday Rom 10:10

It is about my 'Holy Place'

NORSK
I want to continue to use the allegoric illustration of the Temple - and I now move from the human
spirit (The Most Holy Place) which represents man’s consciousness of God, to the human soul (The Holy Place) which represents man’s consciousness of self. The Holy Place was only accessible for a chosen elite. I am setting the rules with regard to whom I “admit” into my “Holy Place”. They become my “chosen people” and will be able to share my innermost thoughts, emotions and know my real personality.

The Greek word for soul 'psychē' can also translate “life”. It is important to bear this in mind when I read one of Jesus' well known sayings – which I think is crucial when we deal with subject of holiness:

For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.
Matt 16:25

My soul is very often a hindrance for the Spirit to move freely in my Sanctuary. The human inclination is the desire and even felt need to:

• understand before believing
• feel before believing
• think: “consequences for me” before believing – (am I willing to…?)

May be it is possible to write this challenge as a formula:

Intellect + Emotions + Personality = the soul = the life
(which man is inclined not to lose)

When I dare to invite the Holy Spirit, not only into my Most Holy Place, but also into my Holy Place, I in many ways lose my life, but I find it again – and what I find is better than what I lost.  And:

'Manna' for today:

A holy pilgrimage has begun!

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