Daily Reading: Matthew chapters 9 thru 12
Key Verses: Matthew 9:36-38
By chapter 9 of Matthew, Jesus had been preaching, teaching and working miracles for some time. As He looked upon Israel, He saw the multitudes of people as harassed and helpless. He saw them as sheep without a shepherd. He felt great compassion for the lost and dying as they had not yet been redeemed. At this point, He also realized that it was time to take the next step in His ministry. He perceived that a great work of spiritual harvest needed to take place, but the laborers were few. Jesus told His disciples to ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers to His harvest. When we, as believers, look at the condition of the world, we can see how plentiful the harvest is. We should also pray that the Lord of the harvest will send more laborers. However, to make the request sincerely (as with the disciples) believers must be willing to go themselves.
When the disciples were chosen by Jesus, their lives were interrupted in order that they may totally devote themselves and follow Him. If they had not changed their focus and relented to His request, we would not be a part of God's Family.
Why are people who believe the Good News so unwilling to commit to the service of God?
--Stephanie
My youngest brother and I were very close; I knew his next move, pretty much, before he did. He went off to college for four years, got married and relocated to another state. This has been more than 12 years ago. If you asked me something about him before our relationship changed; I would have the ability to confidently, with out a doubt, answer your question or give information regarding his character, what he likes to eat, his favorite music, what type of clothes he wears etc.
We now have a different relationship. He we only see each other maybe once a year or once every two years. We may talk three to four times a month. Because so many years have gone by and he has changed tremendously; I can’t really effectively answer personal questions beyond that point of separation. He has acquired new likes and dislikes, his way of life has changed and his perception of life has changed. I am only able to answer or share general information. This is simply because we no longer live in the same house; our level of communication decreased and although we have a covenant relationship; the distance has caused us to be unfamiliar with each other’s thoughts and desires. If you ask me a question, I may have to ask his wife because she is now his best female friend. Although I grew up living in the same house with him; she knows him on a deeper level than what I did. I could never know him the way that she does because not only do they live in the same house but they have become one.
I said all of that to say folks cannot share the love of Christ because either they are new in the Lord and are unsure because they’ve just met Him and don’t know quite what to say. Others don’t take the time to get to know Him by praying, studying and attending Sunday service, midweek service and/or prayer service. I think the biggest problem is that believers are professing Christ but continue living a riotous (sinful) live. We as believers have been deceived to think that once you become saved that everything else is automatic…not so! Bottom line!!!!! If Christ (the Holy Sprit) doesn’t live in your house, you will never have the ability to share with other because he tells you what to say. And if the Holy Sprit lives on the inside of believers, He desires his Word and the Word crucifies the flesh and renews the mind. As the Word is planted in the heart; it becomes easier and easier to share the Good News of the Gospel. Frankly, God has worked miracles in my life and I’ll stand on the mountain top and proclaim His goodness!!!
Lastly, a lot folks rely on their memorized scriptures and big words but the Bible says that we shall win them by words of our testimony….Haven’t God done anything for you? Then share that!
--D. Baker
<mailto:dbaker1968@cox.net>
