Theme of the Day: Not Glee And Gratitude, But Rejection And Resentment
If ministry involves serving others with love and compassion, you would think that people would respond only with glee and gratitude for the help they received. Sometimes, but not always. If you offer to help a family member who is having trouble paying his bills, he might be offended, wondering if you are implying that he is not a good provider. Likewise, if you try and share the gospel with someone, he might resent the message that he is a sinner in need of salvation. You are trying to serve this man’s greatest need. Your intentions are loving. Yet he responds with rejection and resentment.
When our efforts are met not with glee and gratitude but rejection and resentment, we are in good company. The prophets, apostles, and even Jesus himself all had those who responded negatively to their ministries. When that happens to us, it doesn’t mean our service is no longer meaningful. For if others do not appreciate our efforts to serve them, God still appreciates our efforts to serve him.
Mark 6:1-6
Ezekiel 2:1-7
2 Timothy 2:1-13
Psalm 27A
736 – Lord, You Call Us as Your People
639 – God Has Spoken by His Prophets
895 – Preach You the Word
770 – God of Grace and God of Glory
927 – Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing
Prayer of the Day: Almighty, eternal and righteous God, you revealed your divine Word to teach us what we should do and what we should avoid. Strengthen and lead us by your Holy Spirit that we serve you in new obedience here until we come to complete holiness before you in that life to come; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen. Alleluia.