September 19, 2024

Matthew 9:35-38 (HCSB)
The Lord of the Harvest
35 Then Jesus went to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness. 36 When He saw the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were weary and worn out, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. 38 Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”

Jason Ricciardi
Today we will look at the last ‘E’ in SERVE –enthusiasm. What do you get excited about? What wakes you up or gets your heart pumping? Who do you know that’s an enthusiastic person? There’s a good chance that what you are enthusiastic about is not the same as the other person you thought of. It’s a good thing that you don’t hold the same passions! God is able to reach so many more people, areas, and cultures BECAUSE we are made differently.  First Corinthians 12:27 reminds us that we are the body of Christ, but we each have different roles and passions to benefit one another. In Matthew 9:35-38 we catch a glimpse of what moved Jesus’ spirit. He saw the crowds and had compassion. Jesus was the only perfect man that ever lived. He is the only human that could do anything perfectly. He saw the crowds and He felt strongly about them. What did He do? He sent you –an imperfect person that could be perfectly used by Him! As Christians, God has given you a passion for certain areas of ministry.  Just as Jesus had compassion for the lost, we each have enthusiasm/passion for a certain area.  As a church body, we individually look different in our spiritual gifts, experiences, relational style, vocational skills, and enthusiasm.  BUT GOD uses us together to fulfill individual needs in the church, to serve one another, and to save the lost. What are you passionate about? How can you bring it into alignment with God’s plan?