Day 14: GREATER OUTREACH
Luke 10:25-37
“I would love to find a place to use my gifts. Do you have any ideas where I could serve the Kingdom with a group of people that ‘I would understand?’” This was a question asked of me several years ago by a fine believer who honestly wanted to be involved in ministry, but only wanted to serve people he felt comfortable with. I told this person to read our passage for today and then “go and do likewise.” I may have been a little harsh (I wasn’t always as smart as I am now!) since he didn’t return to tell me in what capacity they were serving the Lord. Let’s face it, the Lord may call us to serve people and in places that look just like our own world, or He may, like the Samaritan, place in front of us opportunities to serve those who are very different from us – or even our enemies. This can make us uncomfortable, being used in ways we didn’t plan on, but the Lord does not always consult with us prior to using us. All He promises is that He will prepare believers for what He has for us to do.
We call him the “Good Samaritan” because he acted in compassion and in ways that were counter to his culture, but in line with the Lord. Do you long to be called the “Good Presbyterian?” Following the Lord will require that we reach out to those who need to hear the Gospel and see it lived out in ways that are far beyond our abilities, but never far beyond God’s grace. Ask the Lord to open doors for you today so your reach, your demonstration of His grace, may go far beyond what you thought was possible.
Prayer: God of grace, grant me this day the opportunity to demonstrate in word and deed what you have done in my life. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.