9/15 Daily in the Word

Ministry without Borders
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
by Dr. Paul Chappell

"But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

Matthew 9:12-13

Jesus didn't restrict His ministry to one day of the week, but continually served others wherever He went.

An older, feeble lady was led to Christ by a young Pastor. Eager to serve, she asked the Pastor about the different ministry opportunities in his church. After he listed ministries such as singing in the choir, caring for children in the nursery, staying late to clean the church, and helping plan ladies' events; this lady realized she wasn't physically able to participate in the ministries offered through the church. But one thing she could do was play the piano. Because the church already had more than enough piano players, this elderly lady thought of a way she could use her piano abilities to encourage others.

The next day she called the local paper and placed an ad that stated, "FREE-hymns played over the phone to help encourage anyone who needs it." That afternoon she received her first "customer" and played several hymns for him. Afterward, he explained his troubles to her, and she was able to comfort him with Scripture and assurance that God's love was extended to him. Over the rest of her life, this lady was able to see many people saved, encouraged, and strengthened through playing godly hymns to those who called.

Like this elderly lady's church, many churches offer ways to be involved in ministry and serve God each Sunday and Wednesday. While these ministries are important, ministry isn't meant to only be accomplished at church.

In our verses, the Pharisees questioned Christ's association with the unfavorable people-the publicans and sinners. The religious leaders of the day made a habit of overlooking such people and only associating with those who were either wealthy, noteworthy, or educated. Yet Christ answered them by saying, "I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

Jesus' mission wasn't to sit in the synagogue and discuss theology with the religious leaders. He did minister in the temple and even to the religious leaders, but His focus was on the sick, the lost people who needed His saving grace. His mission was to reach out, past the borders set by the religious leaders, and minister to the spiritually sick.

As Christians, it's always a blessing to be around God's people and serve alongside others who are like-minded, but, as was Christ's mission, we are to be the salt and light of the earth. Our mission is to not only serve at church, but to serve others wherever we go. We are to carry our ministry beyond the boundary of the church to the lost and hurting people of this world.

God desires that you would continue ministering to people Monday through Saturday. How can you minister? How about taking a co-worker to lunch when they've had a bad day, taking your neighbor a meal, spending time with a relative who needs Christ? Jesus didn't restrict His ministry to one day of the week, but He continually served others wherever He went. How will you be more like Christ this week by serving others?