A. What Is Biblical Mission? “Biblical mission means more than simply going overseas to plant churches or spread civilization. It means the church participating in the ‘mission of God (Missio Dei)’ and seeking the restoration of God’s rule and glory throughout the whole earth. Mission is not a program that begins with human enthusiasm; rather, it is the heart of God that runs throughout the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, and is a fundamental reason for the church’s existence. Let me clearly summarize five essential principles of true mission as presented in Scripture. 🌍 1. The Mission of God (Missio Dei) The subject and initiator of mission is not human beings but God. In order to save fallen humanity, God first comes to us, sends His Son, and sends the Holy Spirit. He is the “missionary God” who sends. Biblical basis: “As the Father has sent me, I also send you.” (John 20:21) Key meaning: The church acknowledges that God has the initiative in mission and serves as His agent, obed...
Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted (Luke 14:11)
Everyone who exalts
himself will be humbled,
and whoever humbles
himself will be exalted (Luke 14:11)
Haman was in a very good
mood because he alone was invited
to two banquets with
King Ahasuerus and Queen Esther.
He boasted to his wife,
Zeresh, and his friends about his wealth,
his many children, and
the high position the king had given him above all others.
Yet, despite all this,
Haman was not satisfied as long as he saw
the Jew Mordecai sitting
at the king's gate
(Esther 5:9-13).
Haman seemed to be
extremely angry
because Mordecai did not
acknowledge his high position,
nor did he bow down or
pay homage to him.
It appears that Haman
wanted everyone to recognize the high position he held,
which he was very proud
of.
However, there was just
one person, Mordecai the Jew,
who did not acknowledge
his high status.
This greatly
dissatisfied Haman.
His wife Zeresh and all
his friends advised him
to set up a gallows
about 23 meters high
and to ask the king the
next morning to have Mordecai hanged on it.
After that, he could go
to the second banquet with Queen Esther in high spirits.
This suggestion pleased
Haman, and he ordered the gallows to be built (v. 14).
Haman wanted to hang
Mordecai on the high gallows
because Mordecai did not
acknowledge his high position.
When I meditate on this
passage, I am reminded of Jesus,
who, despite having the
highest position equal with God,
came to this lowly and
humble earth (Ref.: Philippians 2:6-8)
and was crucified on a
high cross (Ref.: John 3:14),
the tree of curse
(Deuteronomy 21:23; Galatians 3:13).
Jesus said, "For
all those who exalt themselves will be humbled,
and those who humble
themselves will be exalted"
(Luke 14:11).
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