Today’s Readings:
Exodus 19:2-6
Psalm 100:1-5
Romans 5:6-11
Matthew 9:36-10:8
God’s relationship with the world reads like a love story. Here we see God who so loved His creatures that He goes to any length to set them up for eternal happiness. He created humans in His image and likeness (Genesis 1:26). And when they disobeyed and sinned against Him, God chose Israel to be His people, through whom all the nations of the world shall bless themselves (Genesis 22:18). When they walked into slavery in Egypt, He delivers them with outstretched hands (Deuteronomy 26:8). He entered into a covenant with them (binding Himself to be faithful to them forever) and made them a consecrated people (anointed and dedicated to God – Exodus 19:6; 1 Peter 2:9).
When the blood of animals failed to atone for humanity’s sin, God sent His Son as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29-32). Saint Paul reminds us that it was not because we were worthy that Jesus died for us. It was while we laid in our sins, focused on our wants and enslaved by our addictions that Jesus mounted the rough wood of the Cross as the atonement sacrifice for our sins, and restores us like stray sheep to the flock of the Father’s household. “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6). It is by his stripes that we are healed (Isaiah 53:5). We are the most blessed to have a God who is willing to die so that we might live. In the Gospel, He shows his concern for a world that is oblivious of his tender love and care. Jesus looked at the “harassed and dejected” crowd and felt sorry for them. Why? Because they needed people to show them God’s undying love. So, He names his disciples and sends them out to gather His scattered sheep. He calls them Apostles and gives them authority over demons, sickness and diseases. He sends them to the lost sheep of the House of Israel (those who have already received the gift of salvation).
Today, Christ calls you by name because He knows you. Say your name and add, “God has called me and sent me to gather his scattered sheep”. He wants you to start from your immediate surrounding. Who are the people you are in contact with most of the time? Are they close to God? It is your mission to see that the evil one does not snatch them away or confuse them. As a parent, you have a mission to your children. As a spouse, you have a mission to your husband/wife. You have a mission to your neighbours, friends and followers on social media. As a creative, lead people to the light of truth and away from falsehood. Let them not be led astray either because of your carelessness or lack of concern. You will give an account for how you have either led them to God or away from God. Inaction is not an option.
The best way to minister to others is by your way of life. The way your dress today, the way you speak or smile or offer a helping hand, the choice of music you listen to, the way you dance, things you do for fun, what you do as a job or career will help to spread heaven’s agenda or hell’s agenda. Which will you do today? May God help you make the right choice in Jesus mighty name Amen
JUDE-MARY OWOH
Prayer:
I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all your marvellous works.
I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.
Lord, You have called me by name as You called Your Apostles. Send me where you want me to spread Your light, peace and joy.
Inspire my thought, guide my lips, help me to use my body in a way that gives glory to you and draws others to you, in Jesus name.
O Lord inspire our children, youths and young adults to love your way of righteousness and guide their steps from the path of the deceiver and the destroyer, in Jesus name.
Inspire Your Church with strength and boldness to march forward in the face of persecution, in Jesus name.
Father let your plan for our nation Nigeria be fulfilled to the glory of Your holy name, in Jesus name. Amen.
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