A few weeks ago we published a blog pleading for people and churches to love and serve the refugees in our midst. We showed how robust theology of possessions and land leads us to a radically generous life towards those in need. The Syrian refugee crisis is a test case to see if we are in fact a network that is characterised by theological clarity leading to cultural engagement and missional innovation.
A robust theology of possessions and land leads us to a radically generous life towards those in need.
This week, we ask the question What if? What if our churches roll up their sleeves and welcome the refugees in our midst (Deut 26.11), not with any sense of manipulation or underhandedness, having renounced cunning (2 Cor 4.2) – and people see our good deeds and glorify our Heavenly Father? What if Syrians, and other refugees, come to saving faith in Christ? Are we prepared for what that means in real life?
We all want to say yes in our hearts. But we have all equally been in situations where our gospel instincts have taken us to places beyond our resources. And then we remember Jesus’ words about calculating the cost before building the tower (Luke 14.27-29). What is the cost of taking up our cross and following Jesus in the context of the Syrian refugee crisis?
The glorious cost is recognising that we are members of one body with all those who share our faith in Jesus Christ. It means recognising that we belong to one another. It means that we have not only renounced our independence in respect to God – he is our Lord – but also in respect to the church – we are family. The implications of this simple statement are so far-reaching that they reverberate into eternity.
This video is beautiful, heart-wrenching, hopeful and immensely challenging. What if?
Click here for the follow up article to this blog post.
