Mark 1:14-16
Later on, after John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee,where He preached God's Good News. "The time promised by God has come at last! He announced. "The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe in this Gospel (or good news).
Yesterday was a good day.
Lot of text messages and phone calls from former clients who were well on the way in their recovery.
What made yesterday even more incredible was the number of men who were, in some capacity, extending the Kingdom rule of God here on good ol' earth.
Men who had started, on their own, Bible studies or recovery meetings.
Men who were working with individuals in helping them to find this Jesus that had made such a difference in their own life.
Men who did not wait for someone to appoint them or ask them to do something, but rather felt the leading of God's Holy Spirit to get up and give back.
Should this not be the norm for every believer?
To find out what it is God wants of them and then carry it out?
It's not the size of the work that is done.
It's the fact that something is being done.
What is the one contributing factor in all of this?
These men, as a work in progress, have had...and continue to have their character shaped and reformed by the Holy Spirit.
One thing I think the church misses sometimes is that the call to "Follow Jesus" is not a flexible suggestion. It isn't a call that an individual can push off on the preacher or pastor.
"Well, I am going to church..and our church does a lot to help others, so I guess you could say that I am fulfilling the Great Commission." Really? Do you think that is the way it works? Really didn't cost anything but whatever you put in the offering plate.
Let's say that you go to church 3 hours on Sunday (Morning and evening), and that you attend mid-week service (if your church has one). That might be a total of 4 to 5 hours. What about the rest of your week? We take those hours and apply them to work, family, fun. I'm not advocating that we all turn into Monk's and Friar's, live on mountain tops, grow organic vegetables and wear brown robes and sandals. I am advocating that if you claim to be a follower of Jesus, then you should be listening for His instruction and carry it out.
It may be a simple, "Do yous that person in the wheel chair? Go pray for them."
It might come in a "Go buy groceries and fee your next door neighbor." But the bottom line is that we be an obedient people.
You know what the funny part in all this kingdom work is?
It's not a matter of having to do it. A sense of obligation that you've got to come up with your part of a greater cosmic plan....
No! You'll want to. You'll find that you have a desire to see the Kingdom will of God come down into our time and space.......into our everyday life and make a difference in the lives of those around us.
This is the part of salvation that no one wants to acknowledge as being an individual's responsibility. But it is what has been on the Father's heart forever.
He chose two people to take His creation and tend to it.
It has never changed...it is still His will.
God on you...
michael b.
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