Mission

The concept of mission in the Bible is deeply rooted in the character and purposes of God. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, God's mission is to reveal Himself to humanity and to bring about redemption and reconciliation. The mission of God is often referred to as the "Missio Dei," which means "the mission of God." This mission is not merely a task but an expression of God's love and desire for all people to know Him.

In the Old Testament, God's mission is evident in His covenant with Israel. Israel was chosen to be a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (Exodus 19:6), tasked with being a light to the nations. The prophets frequently called Israel to live in obedience to God's laws so that they might fulfill their mission of demonstrating God's character to the world.

The New Testament expands on this mission through the life and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus embodies the mission of God, proclaiming the Kingdom of God and calling people to repentance and faith. In the Great Commission, Jesus commands His disciples, "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20). This commission underscores the global scope of God's mission and the role of believers in participating in it.

The Apostle Paul further articulates the mission of the Church, emphasizing the reconciliation of all things through Christ. In 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 , Paul writes, "All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s trespasses against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us."

Obedience

Obedience in the Bible is a fundamental aspect of faith and relationship with God. It is the response of faith to God's commands and an expression of love and trust in Him. Obedience is not merely about following rules but is about aligning one's life with God's will and purposes.

In the Old Testament, obedience is central to the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The Shema, found in Deuteronomy 6:4-5 , calls Israel to love and obey God wholeheartedly: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One. And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." Obedience to God's commandments was seen as a way to live in harmony with God's design and to receive His blessings.

The New Testament continues to emphasize the importance of obedience, particularly in the teachings of Jesus. Jesus Himself modeled perfect obedience to the Father, as seen in His submission to the cross. In John 14:15 , Jesus states, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." This connection between love and obedience highlights the relational aspect of following Christ.

The Apostle Paul also speaks to the necessity of obedience in the life of a believer. In Romans 6:16 , he writes, "Do you not know that when you offer yourselves as obedient slaves, you are slaves to the one you obey, whether you are slaves to sin leading to death, or to obedience leading to righteousness?" Obedience is portrayed as a pathway to righteousness and a reflection of one's allegiance to God.

In the context of mission, obedience is crucial. The mission of God requires the obedience of His people to carry out His purposes on earth. The early Church exemplified this obedience as they spread the Gospel despite persecution and hardship, demonstrating their commitment to God's mission.