"GOD SENT" MISSIONARIES

There is no denying the fact that we live in a needy day. Just read the news. But the need is not just for a better economy, it is for a better spiritual economy. This depressed spiritual economy has left our world spiritually bankrupt. Jesus ministered in such a day. He looked out at the multitudes and saw that they were "distressed and downcast like sheep without a shepherd" (Matthew 9:37). And so it goes--things haven't changed much.

The people need a shepherd. They need a shepherd who can provide for them, who can lead them, who can offer them genuine hope--that shepherd is Jesus Christ. He is the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep, that they might have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10-11). He is the Great Shepherd who sits at the right hand of God and intercedes on our behalf (Hebrews 13:20; 10:19-22). He is the Chief Shepherd who guides and directs the undershepherds (1 Peter 5:1-4).

Seeing the multitudes, Jesus said to His disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into the harvest" (Matt. 9:37-38). God answered Jesus' prayer in sending forth the Apostles to share the good news--and the church was born. The church exists to this day commissioned to proclaim the good news of salvation in Christ.

What is needful today is "God sent" missionaries (Isaiah 6:8; Matthew 28:19; Acts 13:4). "God sent" missionaries are filled with God's compassion for souls (Matthew 9:36). "God sent" missionaries are empowered and emboldened by the Spirit of God to proclaim the gospel (Ephesians 6:19). "God sent" missionaries witness both with their lives and their lips (Colossians 4:5-6). "God sent" missionaries carefully endeavor to make the gospel clear (Colossians 4:4).

There is a great need for "God sent" missionaries in Clatsop County. Let's pray for workers to be sent out. Let's prepare our hearts that we might be sent out (Isaiah 6:8). Let's go (Acts 13:4)!

Pastor Jerry