“But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a
physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I
will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous,
but sinners to repentance.” Matthew 9:12-13
Jesus didn’t restrict His ministry to one day of the week, but continually
served others wherever He went.
An older, feeble lady was led to Christ by a young Pastor. Eager to serve,
she asked the Pastor about the different ministry opportunities in his
church. After he listed ministries such as singing in the choir, caring for
children in the nursery, staying late to clean the church, and helping plan
ladies’ events; this lady realized she wasn’t physically able to participate
in the ministries offered through the church. But one thing she could do was
play the piano. Because the church already had more than enough piano
players, this elderly lady thought of a way she could use her piano abilities
to encourage others.
The next day she called the local paper and placed an ad that stated,
“FREE-hymns played over the phone to help encourage anyone who needs it.”
That afternoon she received her first “customer” and played several hymns for
him. Afterward, he explained his troubles to her, and she was able to comfort
him with Scripture and assurance that God’s love was extended to him. Over
the rest of her life, this lady was able to see many people saved,
encouraged, and strengthened through playing godly hymns to those who called.
Like this elderly lady’s church, many churches offer ways to be involved in
ministry and serve God each Sunday and Wednesday. While these ministries are
important, ministry isn’t meant to only be accomplished at church.—
Jesus’ mission wasn’t to sit in the synagogue and discuss theology with the
religious leaders. He did minister in the temple and even to the religious
leaders, but His focus was on the sick, the lost people who needed His saving
grace. His mission was to reach out, past the borders set by the religious
leaders, and minister to the spiritually sick.
As Christians, it’s always a blessing to be around God’s people and serve
alongside others who are like-minded, but, as was Christ’s mission, we are to
be the salt and light of the earth. Our mission is to not only serve at
church, but to serve others wherever we go. We are to carry our ministry
beyond the boundary of the church to the lost and hurting people of this
world.
God desires that you would continue ministering to people Monday through
Saturday. How can you minister? How about taking a co-worker to lunch when
they’ve had a bad day, taking your neighbor a meal, spending time with a
relative who needs Christ? Jesus didn’t restrict His ministry to one day of
the week, but He continually served others wherever He went. How will you be
more like Christ this week by serving others? (From Daily In The Word)
