Written by Tsang, Ho-Yin Kenneth (President, Lutheran Theological Seminary)
Scriptures reading:
15 ‘David reigned over all Israel, doing what was just and right for all his people. 16 Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was recorder; 17 Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelek son of Abiathar were priests; Seraiah was secretary; 18 Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Kerethites and Pelethites; and David’s sons were priests.’
When Christians discuss Integral Mission, they often reflect on it from an individual perspective. This means that ‘I’ not only preach the gospel to people, leading them to repentance and faith in the Lord, joining the church, and receiving eternal life; but it also encompasses a much broader scope. Christians, besides caring for others’ spiritual needs, should also seek the well-being of others in all aspects, including their physical, mental, social, and vocational needs, and even extend to the stewardship of God’s creation (such as environmental protection). Indeed, we must understand the richness of Integral Mission.
However, we must acknowledge that an individual’s abilities are very limited, making it difficult to participate in every task. In fact, the Integral Mission entrusted to us by God has a communal aspect. This means ‘we’ must work together according to God’s will, collaborating to fulfil this broad Integral Mission.
As the scripture in this article shows, what seems to be a plain account of people and their positions is actually a team effort. It is a concise version of the teamwork that the Israelites took pride in during the Davidic dynasty. Towards the end of 2 Samuel, we will read a series of names of warriors who contributed to this dynasty (2 Samuel 23:8-38). No matter how capable David was, without the cooperation of Joab, Abishai, Ithai, Ahimaaz, Jonathan, Hushai, Nathan, and others, how could he have overcome various difficulties and challenges to achieve the beautiful picture of the Davidic dynasty?
Today, in the Integral Mission entrusted to us by God, He does not want us to fight alone but to work together with collective wisdom and proper division of labour. If several congregations distribute meals to the homeless in one area, there will be an excess of meal boxes, and resources will not reach those in need in other areas, resulting in waste. I like to use a jigsaw puzzle as an analogy: each of us Christians is like a small piece of the puzzle, responsible for different tasks and areas. When each puzzle piece fulfils its role under God’s design, it forms a beautiful picture!
Let’s Think:
- What specific service has God sent you to undertake (which piece of the puzzle are you)?
- Have you communicated well with others, divided the work, and collaborated to make things better?
Put into Practice:
- Focus on the specific service that God wants you to perform, and be attentive and open-hearted in communicating and collaborating with others.
- Prayer: Almighty God, whose thoughts are higher than ours, You are the creator of the whole blueprint. Please guide each of us to understand our roles and tasks in Your plan and help us to focus on them, working together with others to be pieced together by You into a beautiful picture. In the holy name of Jesus, Amen.
