Scripture:
Mark 6:56 “Wherever Christ went – in villages and cities and out on the farms – they laid the sick in the market plazas and streets. The sick begged him to let them at least touch the fringe of his robe, and all who touched it were healed.”
Observation:
Jesus’ ministry … even when I think about the word “minister” as defined by offering care or aid is so different than what we see in churches today; we have “Adult Ministries” and “Youth Ministries” and “Children’s Ministries.” Jesus healed people. I wonder if all the accounts we had of Jesus preaching verses Jesus healing what the split would be. In any case, Jesus didn’t need to “do outreach” as we think of it today – that was his entire mission, and because of that people were drawn to him. He didn’t have to knock on doors. He didn’t have to hold “seeker friendly” events. People knew that if they came, they would receive healing … how much more “relevant” can you get?
Application:
I’m so grateful this is the direction Life Center is headed. This is the direction I need to head as a “minister” to my world. What are my resources? I have no robe with healing powers, but I have lots to offer.
Prayer:
Lord – help me identify what I have to give, how to do so, and where I can minister those gifts.
Scripture:
Acts 26:27-29 “King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do. Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”
Observation:
Paul is mid-trial here and he’s attempting to “make the close” with this ruler. Instead of being concerned about his own future, he was interested in the future of his accusers.
Application:
This is a good contrast for me: Whose future am I going to be concerned about?
Prayer:
Lord, help me focus on the good of others over my own good.
Scripture:
Acts (16,) 17 & 18 recount Paul’s second missionary journey.
Observation:
Paul’s message was (and still is!) urgent! He visits over a dozen communities “trying to convince the Jews and Greeks alike” (18:4). Sometimes he’s “sent” to the next city (before he gets run out), sometimes he stays for a period of time, sometimes he leaves because of hard hearts. But he moves with God, always conveying the message of Christ.
Application:
Paul’s message really wasn’t Paul’s message – it is the message of Christ – the same message I am responsible to carry and, more importantly, deliver. I was thinking the other day about The Hole in Our Gospel and how I feel like the nature of its message is comparable to the message Paul brought in his time. At that time, many were “religious” – their next step to faith was fulfillment of the Messiah’s coming. Today, the message … is I guess the same. People are still looking for a savior – still need a savior. People have heard us say there is a God, that Christ died for their sins; we need to show God’s love and Christ’s forgivness. I need to show God’s love and Christ’s forgiveness – a still urgent message.
Prayer:
Lord, give me the same sense of urgency.
Scripture:
Revelation 19:10 “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
Observation:
Usually when I think of prophecy I think of a foretelling of the future … in some ways I guess testimony of Jesus is just that. But it also makes it seem so available.
Application:
I need to broaden my understanding of the gift of prophecy – and more than likely, all spiritual gifts. However, this also means I need to re-evaluate the spiritual gifts accessible to me, starting with prophecy. I can be a prophet for Christ – and it’s not difficult. I don’t have to wait for divine inspiration – I already have it! Whenever I do or say something that communicates Christs love, his power, or his salvation, I am prophesying. Perhaps not in the same manner as Ezekiel, or our general typical understanding of a prophet, but if I genuinely believe that all spiritual gifts are accessible to anyone, then I need to consider that each gift is available in varying portions and I need to accept it, claim it, and put it to use!
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for every gift – I submit my life to you in hopes that you can use me. Help me be aware when you have given me something with a divine purpose.
Scripture:
Ezekiel 14:13-14 “Suppose the people of a country were to sin against me, and I lifted my fist to crush them… Even if Noah, Daniel, and Job were there, their righteousness would save no one but themselves.”
Observation:
It is not enough to be righteous. How can I have true passion for God if I don’t also share His passions – his people. If I say I love God, but I don’t love people, I’m a liar. To that end, I must be a servant, and I must be an evangelist. It’s interesting – so often we think of “evangelism” as a gift … to some point it is, but even then, only inasmuch as is the gift of zeal and passion for God. Everyone, whenever they are genuinely excited about something, is more than happy to share. In addition to the fullness that Christ brings in life – we ought to be further encouraged by knowing that there are two destinations at the end of life. It is of eternal importance that I do everything in my power to not sit, spared, in the middle of a doomed neighborhood, city, and world.
Application:
Get on it!
Prayer:
Lord, let your message live in me, and then give me the fortitude to not just proclaim it like a resounding gong, but to live it, apply it to my life in meaningful ways, and to deliver it to others with precision.
