1/22/12 Supporting The Good News
1/22/12 Supporting The Good News
Luke 8:2-3 Pastor’s Blog: Kevin Jesmer NIU UBF 1-22-12
Verses 2-3 read, “and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; 3 Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.”
The Twelve travelled with Jesus, as well as many women. It was unusual. It shows how much grace these women experienced through Jesus and how much they wanted to be with him and support his work. Mary Magdalene was one woman who was freed from the grip of Satan’s power. Joanna took her stand despite the probable pressure from Herod’s evil influence. Once forgiven and covered with Jesus’ grace, these women gave their hearts and lives so that grace could come to many.
I can see that when we are touched by the grace of God, then we want to serve and participate in Jesus’ gospel ministry. It is a natural response to grace. I don’t understand when people who have received the grace of Jesus and don’t want to serve or get involved Jesus’ gospel ministry. It is unbiblical. We must give and serve, not just building up our own lives and futures. We must live for the glory of God and expand the territory of the kingdom of God. We must live to lift the name of Jesus, high and exalted. We must love serving others in Jesus’ name. I pray that all of our members may relish the idea of being included in the family of God and serving Jesus within the church.
As Christians we are in the family of God. Being in family is more than just receiving love and benefits and privileges. It also means responsibilities. In our family there is cleaning to do. There is laundry. There are dishes. There is taking care of the animals. There are a lot of responsibilities. We need to embrace these responsibilities, joyfully and willingly if we are to be part of Jesus’ team.
These women served. What does that mean? It means that they provided money to support the gospel ministry. They must have provided needed supplies, like food and doing even laundry. They might have even set up some of Jesus’ speaking engagements. To support gospel workers out of our own means, means sacrifice and service. It is not always glorious. Many times it is hard to do. But it is meaningful and joyful work when we do it for the Lord, while living in Christ. I pray that I may give my life to serve Jesus’ Gospel ministry out of my own means.
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