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A charge to keep I have, A God to glorify, A never-dying soul to save, And fit it for the sky.To serve the present age, My calling to fulfill: Oh, may it all my pow’rs engage To do my Master’s will! The words of Charles Wesley's Hymn still rings in my ears through the voices of the old saints at the church I grew up in down in Louisiana.
Though seldom heard today its words resonate with the mandate of the Gospel. In Luke 18:22 Jesus helps a "certain ruler" understand what the Gospel is really all about. He says, "Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me."
"Sell what you have and give it to the poor" is a radical command and invitation for a wealthy ruler. But to whomever Jesus calls, His invitation is far from convenient.
The Christian community is called and commissioned by God to serve by sharing the Gospel. The Gospel is good news centered in Jesus for the broken and burdened, the least and the last, the weak and the weary; the whole of creation. The Gospel is God reaching towards us with a hand of reconciliation, redemption and restoration!
In a world marked with hatred, selfishness, unbridled ambition, violence and all kinds of vices there is yet still an appetite for the life changing message and ministry of Jesus Christ.
I watched this week as persons lined up to receive needed assistance through the church's Hope Ministry and how a small group prepared bottles of water with messages of hope to distribute this weekend in our community. This, I thought to myself, is what serving this present age means.
Though small and seemingly insignificant, I'm convinced that every act of love can point somebody to Jesus. May we never become so insulated in our church buildings and institutions that we fail to share our faith by serving others.
Lord Help us ....to help others.
In Jesus Name...Amen