OUR VALUES: OUTGOING
A church for all, that together we may be outward focused, compassionate,
caring, introducing others to Jesus, overflowing with His love -
transforming our local communities for the Kingdom of God.
The ending of Mark’s Gospel is a bit of a conundrum.
The earliest manuscripts we have from the 300’s AD stop at verse 8.
“8 Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid”
How much does this describe much of the 21st century church?
Bewildered.
Trembling.
Fleeing from the empty tomb in confusion.
Saying nothing of the wonders of the resurrection.
Because they were afraid.
Afraid that we might have got it wrong? Afraid that others might not listen or might not talk to us anymore? Afraid that it might be a bit embarrassing?
It seems little wonder that editors picked up the Gospel that begins….
“The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God” (Mark 1:1)
…might have expanded the narrative a little!
Because it IS Good News and we are called and instructed, to give it away.
The “long ending” as it is called records Jesus’ rising from death, his appearance to Mary, that this time she told the others and that they did not believe her.
So far, so agrees with the story. It IS unbelievable.
Then Jesus meets two on the road, a story expanded by Luke. They see him. Know him, have their minds opened to the scriptures and their fulfilment and they eat with him. Even their testimony the others don’t believe.
Cold comfort here too. Why would we share if even eye witnesses would not be believed?
But get this.
Jesus appears to the others in person. And we know how much in person makes a difference!
He rebukes them for their lack of trust and unbelief.
Now look back at the statements above about the contemporary church – afraid, embarrassed, unwilling to share.
What would Jesus say?
I think that we know.
“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
And it’s not just about what we say.
It’s about what we do.
Prayer, signs and wonders, prophecy, healings and miracles.
17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name…
After this rebuke. With this instruction ringing in their ears. They saw him ascend. He left them to it.
And they…
…went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.
Our value this week is …Outgoing.
A church for all, that together
This is for everyone, not “them” who should, but you and I.
we may be outward focused,
Yep, Archbishop William temple again – we exist for our non-members. We exist to be together, but we are called to minister to others.
compassionate, caring, introducing others to Jesus,
Do we follow all three? Care and compassion definitely – and making the extra step to do it in the name of Jesus? To speak of Jesus as we care and have compassion? Our model of compassion is Jesus – “he had compassion on them” … because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. (Matt 9:36); how well does that describe those we reach out to and care for?
overflowing with His love
And we can only overflow with what we receive ourselves – how open are we, how aware are we of the extravagant love that God pours into us?
transforming our local communities for the Kingdom of God.
Do we really want to see our community transformed?
Is this your value?
Every blessing
Doug
Vicar@christchurchpurley.org.uk