9th
Alive!
Even while we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead! (Ephesians 2:5)
Death is kind of a strong word! But Paul uses this word to accurately describe our condition in sin: dead!
In contrast, he says that God made us alive in Christ Jesus. What an amazing, radical change! This is the message of God’s mercy! We were once dead, now alive.
As leaders in the church I think it’s really important that we never forget the “dead” days. Ministry is tough and grueling. It can discourage the strongest leaders/workers/servants. It’s easy to start wondering if it is really worth it to put up with the challenges and frustrations that come with church work.
In such moments we must return to the core: who we are. We lead in the Church, which is God’s chosen tool (imperfect as it is) through which the Good News is being spread. The news about people changed by Jesus Christ–once dead, now alive!
Our fuel in ministry is that hope. It is a cause of cosmic proportion…the greatest message to ever hit our planet! It is the core reason we lead in the church.
What is so cool is that the message of Jesus is very personal to each of us who are Christians. We were all spiritually dead and in Jesus are now alive. This is a free gift given to us. What a beautiful gift of grace!
So, when the ministry setting gets tough or frustrating, it is time to huddle close to the very reason you lead in the local church. We are driven by one thing alone: God’s graceful and life-giving touch. This is what matters, even if all else fails!
As you lead, be fueled by the hope that has made you alive. All else will fade when you rally around the Gospel message. This is our hope; this is our gift of life!
