Good morning:
What do you do when you turn the key, but all the car does is sputter and die? Do you pop the hood, grab your toolbox, roll up your sleeves and get to work? When you want to relax with a ball game, do you reach for your bat and glove, gather a few friends, and head for the park? Probably not. We’re far more likely to take the car to a mechanic and watch a game from the comfort of Miller Park. We tell ourselves that we don’t know how to even diagnose the engine problem, let alone repair it. We’re too klutzy, too old, or too tired to actually play ball ourselves. We’re accustomed to being passive “watchers” rather than active participants in life.
The same thing can happen in our lives as followers of Jesus. The Lord’s commission to go and make disciples of all nations is directed to every believer, not just a chosen few. Yet it’s so easy to convince ourselves that we have no idea where to start or what to say to tell others about Jesus. We don’t have the education or time to work in the Lord’s kingdom. That’s what pastors and teachers are for. Yet Peter wrote, “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9).
The Lord calls each of us not to be merely passive “watchers” but active “workers” in His name. He provides the opportunities and means to carry it out. No one is too young. Last Sunday even the littlest VBS students were singing, “Jesus loves me, this I know!” No one is too old. Even if homebound, the most senior believer can pray, “Thy kingdom come,” and offer specific petitions for our missionaries both home and abroad. No one can say, “There’s no one for me to reach.” All of us have relatives, friends, neighbors, or coworkers who need the peace of forgiveness only Jesus can give. Besides working as individuals, all of us have God-given opportunities to work together as a spiritual family in Christ in the congregation and church body. The voters meeting tomorrow is one such opportunity.
It’s work, but not a chore. What could be more joyful and rewarding than to share with everyone the best news they will ever hear: Jesus has saved you from sin and death and won eternal life for you as a free gift of His love. Let’s roll up our sleeves and begin today with the prayer, “Lord, help me be an eager worker in Your kingdom.”
Yours in Christ,
Pastor
The service tomorrow is at 9 a.m. The annual voters meeting gets underway after the service. Non-voters are welcome to sit in and observe the meeting.
The school support group meets at 6 p.m. Everyone, not just parents, is welcome!
