The Posture of Peace

Gospel: Matthew 10: 7-15

Jesus again sends out his disciples on mission, the features of which have not changed: heal people of their infirmities, liberated people from their demons, provide fellowship and nourishment at table, live simplicity.  In addition, however, is the posture that a disciples is to have toward others, and that is one of peace.  The disciples is to offer peace wherever she goes, and if rejected by some place the peace of the disciple is not to be disturbed.  She simply moves on to another place, offering no malice or retaliation.

Also noteworthy is the place where ministry takes place.  Ministry occurs in the homes and workplaces of people in the world.  There is no ownership of property or grand campuses for the disciple.  The disciple is to be in the midst of the world offering peace, offering healing, liberation, and nourishment at table.  Peace is attained when one is not attached to anything, when one is not consumed by the possessions of land and building and status.  

People lament the closure of churches and schools within the Christian realm.  We measure success in terms of buildings and fundraising and other material statistics, none of which have anything at all to do with the mission Jesus has repeatedly invited us to undertake. Perhaps the loss of these buildings will return us once again to that original mission, to that posture of peace which we have long lost, and to a more faithful walk with the Lord Jesus on the way to the reign of God.