DAY 28: Service

You Don't Have To Look Too Far

Mark 6:30-44

And they went away in a boat to a deserted place by themselves. Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.


Have you ever noticed how Christ's ministry was always in the moment? He never seemed to miss an opportunity for teaching or healing. Ever notice how irritating this was to the disciples? It really bugged them how Christ never followed the plan. How many times in the gospels do we see the disciples basically roll their eyes when Christ insists on stopping to talk to a poor woman or stopping to heal a cripple? It's as though, to the disciples, Christ's ministry was supposed to be out there somewhere with important people in important places, but when you look at it, Christ's ministry was always right here--right in front of their noses.

Sometimes you may get really grand ideas about what and where ministry is. It's as though ministry is out there with the pastors, bishops, important leaders, beautiful church buildings, and synod offices. True, very important ministry happens through these people and in these places, but ministry is so much more. Ministry is always right here in front of your nose--in schools, families, relationships, on the streets, and in communities. God equips us to do God's work right here and now.


What ministry opportunities are right here in front of my nose? (Remember, some may not be so obvious or visible.)


Prayer:
Gracious God, show me what ministry is available to me in my life right here and now. Amen


Action step:
Make a list of places and people that you encounter in a week's time. List what needs these people and places have. What situations has God put right in front of you that you might be able to fill or minister to?

contributed by Nadia Bolz-Weber