Extraordinary Work

9-2-2009
Extraordinary Work

We are all children of God, born into this world with a sinful nature, and rescued from sin by the grace of Jesus Christ. No one person is any better than anyone else. Granted, some are more famous, but that doesn’t mean they are better. God made us all in his image to do extraordinary things on earth.

Matthew 10:1-10 reads:
“1He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil[a] spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.
2These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 3Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
5These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. 6Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. 7As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' 8Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy,[b]drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. 9Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts; 10take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep.”

If you focus on the introduction of the 12 disciples, you will find they don’t have fancy resumes. They were ordinary people like you and I that chose to follow Christ. They were ordinary people that did extraordinary things! It’s easy to forget these simply truths: you are a child of God, made in his image, and you have a calling to make a major impact in the world for the kingdom of God. You don’t have to be famous or rich to make an impact. Every person you come in contact with needs to hear the message of Christ, and you might be the only Christ they hear. Never underestimate your worth and your calling while on earth. Let’s make a difference!

Application:
1. Read Matthew 10:1-10
2. How can you minister to others? What special gifts do you have and are you using them to Glorify God?