A lady at work was talking to me about her Christian life and how she enjoys going to church. When I asked what she does at church she replied what do you mean? I explained what I meant which is how has her personal relationship with Christ and her long presence at church impacted on others. In other words, how has her Christianity contributed to the society?
I asked her to state the powerful words Jesus said to the first disciples when walking by the Sea of Galilee. She quoted quite clearly, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19. I pointed out to her that we are not just to follow, but to perform certain tasks. As the conversation progressed, my lady colleague realised that in fact she hasn’t given much thought to her role in the church in particular and the society at large.
That is the situation most of us find ourselves. We have passed the first hurdle i.e. decided to follow Christ, but struggle with the second hurdle, i.e. to play our role in Christ’s ministry. Many are only happy with just turning up for one or two hours of worship Sunday after Sunday. We can’t all be observers. We have to take certain roles in the church. I am not suggesting that any Christian who only turns up for Sunday worship without playing any role in the church will not inherit the Kingdom of God. My point is I believe when we become Christians Christ enables us to do much more. That is the case with several people who came to know and accept Jesus. As we come to know Christ, we are enabled to do much more. The problem is that we are either haven’t identified the gifts given to us or we think we are busy with our own life.
Think about this! Peter and Andrew could have had a perfect excuse for not joining Jesus in his ministry. Jesus actually met them at work; they were busy mending their nets when Jesus saw them. They could have said to him, look young man, as you can see we are very busy. Almost all the people Jesus called as disciples were busily working. Therefore, our work is not a good excuse for not sharing in Christ ministry.
Despite our busy life there are bits and pieces that we could all do to help the ministry. Not all of us are called to be “fishers of men.” Christ is still walking by the road or street near you calling on people not only to follow but to help in his ministry. Your calling might be; to sing praises to God, to help the Sunday school, organise the youth, help the men or women ministry, become a prayer warrior, or to clean the church. Nothing is too big or small.
As we begin to manage small things soon bigger things will be given to us to manage. We will not only be playing a role in the church but in towns and cities, and nations. That is the story of David. He was just a shepherd caring for animals but later became a King. Don’t just become a follower. Be a partner in Christ’s ministry.
Thursday, 20 January 2011
Friday, 24 December 2010
Celebrating the Saviour and the supporting staff
Yes we do have the saviour and we must celebrate his life. But the people God chose to collaborate with are very interesting people. I don’t think we celebrate them very much as we should. I think the wise men (Magi, Joseph and Mary are very amazing people.
I wonder why God did not break the news of Christ’s birth to the political leaders or even the religious leaders. They must have forgotten those prophesies- they did not see it coming at all.
Why the Magi or the wise men?
Until they received the visit from heaven the shepherds were nobodies. Notice the haste and the manner they went to visit the new born king Jesus. “…for we have seen his star in the East and have come to worship Him.” They made a long journey to go and worship the Lord. It’s also interesting that after seeing Jesus they did not keep it to themselves. They went and spread the news. Imagine if all those who have come to know Jesus decide to spread the news about Him? They also refused to fall for the treachery of King Herod.
Mary- the favoured one.
She could have replied I think you have come to the wrong Mary. There is another Mary on the next street when it was said to her that she is to give birth to the Lord. And what should I say to Joseph? She finally responded Lord let it be to your servant. She conceived by faith before conceiving in the womb. When God speaks there is no what if or buts. If you feel like nobody, Mary’s life tells that no one is unimportant to God. No matter your village, or upbringing God can reach you.
Joseph- the role model for the 21st century fathers.
How does it feel being told that the lady you have engaged is pregnant with another man, oh no the Holy Spirit? The manner in which Joseph handled this issue is of great relevance. Many of us would hit the roof. A very adventurous man- with only the words of Mary and the words in a dream to guide him, he took Mary as his wife. He puts his own wellbeing on the line for the sake of the wife and the child. Mary was down already and he needs not to stomp on her. There is great lesson in what Joseph did. When faced with a moral problem; reflect deeply as long as it takes, ask what the word of God says about this situation, act with compassion, be adventurous with God, and listen to God in whatever medium he chooses to speak to you.
I wonder why God did not break the news of Christ’s birth to the political leaders or even the religious leaders. They must have forgotten those prophesies- they did not see it coming at all.
Why the Magi or the wise men?
Until they received the visit from heaven the shepherds were nobodies. Notice the haste and the manner they went to visit the new born king Jesus. “…for we have seen his star in the East and have come to worship Him.” They made a long journey to go and worship the Lord. It’s also interesting that after seeing Jesus they did not keep it to themselves. They went and spread the news. Imagine if all those who have come to know Jesus decide to spread the news about Him? They also refused to fall for the treachery of King Herod.
Mary- the favoured one.
She could have replied I think you have come to the wrong Mary. There is another Mary on the next street when it was said to her that she is to give birth to the Lord. And what should I say to Joseph? She finally responded Lord let it be to your servant. She conceived by faith before conceiving in the womb. When God speaks there is no what if or buts. If you feel like nobody, Mary’s life tells that no one is unimportant to God. No matter your village, or upbringing God can reach you.
Joseph- the role model for the 21st century fathers.
How does it feel being told that the lady you have engaged is pregnant with another man, oh no the Holy Spirit? The manner in which Joseph handled this issue is of great relevance. Many of us would hit the roof. A very adventurous man- with only the words of Mary and the words in a dream to guide him, he took Mary as his wife. He puts his own wellbeing on the line for the sake of the wife and the child. Mary was down already and he needs not to stomp on her. There is great lesson in what Joseph did. When faced with a moral problem; reflect deeply as long as it takes, ask what the word of God says about this situation, act with compassion, be adventurous with God, and listen to God in whatever medium he chooses to speak to you.
Saturday, 21 August 2010
Why do People Love Laws so Much?
This week I have been asked to stand-in for a preacher who isn't able to fulfil his preaching appointment. When I checked the text for the day, (Sunday 22/08/2010), I realised it's about the exchanges between a Synagogue leader and Jesus Christ about healing on Sabath, Luke 13:10-17.
There are 5 episodes to the story;
1. The woman and her condition
2. The intervention of Jesus
3. The Synagogue leader's intervention
4. Jesus's second intervention
5. The reaction of the crowd
Of all the 5 episodes, the one thing I find fascinating is the Synagogue leader's intervention. He's found desperately defending the Law, thus reminding the congregation that there should be no activity on the Sabath.
The Synagogue leader is not desputing that Jesus has power of healing nor is he doubting that the woman has indeed been healed. So what is his concern, that the healing has happened on the Sabbath?
For the 18 years that the woman has been in this condition, it's obvious that she's been observing the Sabbath. Has the Sabbath healed her? Imagine if Jesus had told the woman, I am sorry I can't help you because it's Sabbath today. She would have gone home very disappointed and probably wouldn't turn up again.
Come on people! Whilst admitting that laws are important for humans, it's also worth noting that laws are made for the people, not people made for the Laws.
There are 5 episodes to the story;
1. The woman and her condition
2. The intervention of Jesus
3. The Synagogue leader's intervention
4. Jesus's second intervention
5. The reaction of the crowd
Of all the 5 episodes, the one thing I find fascinating is the Synagogue leader's intervention. He's found desperately defending the Law, thus reminding the congregation that there should be no activity on the Sabath.
The Synagogue leader is not desputing that Jesus has power of healing nor is he doubting that the woman has indeed been healed. So what is his concern, that the healing has happened on the Sabbath?
For the 18 years that the woman has been in this condition, it's obvious that she's been observing the Sabbath. Has the Sabbath healed her? Imagine if Jesus had told the woman, I am sorry I can't help you because it's Sabbath today. She would have gone home very disappointed and probably wouldn't turn up again.
Come on people! Whilst admitting that laws are important for humans, it's also worth noting that laws are made for the people, not people made for the Laws.
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