In His Ministry
LENT 2024 | DAY 13
Mark 6:1-29 (NIV)
(Mabel Tay, Chairperson, Missions)
Embarking on their debut expedition without food, money and clothing, the disciples would keenly feel the lack of basic items required for physical survival. This intentional deprivation would propel them into active participation in the world—unable to retreat to comfort, the disciples would be motivated to earn their keep and seek the cooperation and hospitality of others.
Without the option of shifting around even if something about the house or host wasn’t to their liking or constructive for the purpose of their journey, I see the disciples exercising enhanced conscientiousness in selecting their hosts, as well as commitment and endurance.
Thus compelled to make new friends and build effective relationships, the disciples would be continually presented with the need to interact with their hosts and other town residents, and therein an abundance of opportunities to proclaim God’s love to them in word and deed.
The passage reminds me that it is God’s design for His people to be engaged participants and contributors in the marketplace to fulfil His ministry. In our society, commitment falters, and loyalty dwindles. The ease with which jobs and relationships are abandoned is increasingly pervasive. The diligence and resilience facilitated by Jesus’ instructions serve as a stark contrast to the diminished staying power of our present generations and encourage us to suffer and embrace trials for the sake of God’s mission.
I will ask God that routine and familiarity do not desensitise me to His leading. Instead, I will welcome challenges and openings that arise from venturing outside my comfort zone.
I will be alert to divine appointments in my encounters with others, seeking to establish meaningful connections and extend care and support to them, even at great cost.
Observing the sacrifices of the earliest followers and John the Baptist’s unwavering stance at the expense of his life, I will boldly stand firm in godly convictions. Like the disciples, I take assurance from the authority that Jesus has given us. With that, I shall obediently and courageously pursue righteousness, and convey the message of repentance and salvation through Christ.
DISCUSSION POINTERS:
1. What item of familiarity and security are you hanging on to that impedes you from thriving in His ministry?
2. How can you purposefully identify opportunities to share the Gospel and demonstrate the transformative power of the Holy Spirit? Could you, for example:
a. battle an irregular, unjust or malicious situation in the workplace that you have been passively witnessing?
b. approach a troublesome relationship at work with renewed vigour, kindness, positivity and grace, trusting in God to bring about a breakthrough?
3. What is the one thing you could do in this Year of Discipleship in the Workplace? Commit this to prayer.
