Jul 15

Mark 1:36-39
Memorise 1 Corinthians 10:31
“…give unto the Lord the glory due unto His name”

Mark records for us that Jesus began His ministry in Galilee. His message was very simple and clear. He taught that the time is now fulfilled, the promised Kingdom of God is at hand. What this means is that the time is now here that the Messiah is now come, and that all man must repent and believe in the gospel, the good news of salvation. Jesus went into the synagogues to teach and His authority in the truth astonished those who heard Him. Jesus also healed many and cast out demons. The people had never seen anything like this before and naturally, a great multitude of people followed wherever He went. When the disciples found Jesus praying alone, they told Him that many people were seeking after Him (Mark 1:37). Instead of responding that He would return to them, Jesus gave instruction to leave and go into the next town. He explained that this was so that He could preach there also and that that was His ministry, the reason He came forth. Healing was not the only ministry of Christ. Christ had many important ministries to fulfill. Other than preaching the gospel, Christ was also preparing the disciples to be the Apostles of the Church. The most important ministry of all was that Christ’s came to Earth so that He could present Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins.

What do you think is your primary ministry as a believer? The Westminster Shorter Catechism tells us “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.” Our primary ministry is to glorify God. To glorify God we have to obey Him in all aspects of our lives. We have to live lives unto “sanctification and honour” (1 Thessalonians 4:4). We have to faithfully fulfill the callings of service that He has called us unto. We have to fulfill the Great Commission of sharing the gospel and being His witness. There are many duties we must fulfill to glorify and honour our Lord. With the help of the Holy Spirit we can do so. But we must be vigilant and diligent to do so (1 Corinthians 9:27). It is a constant battle and a marathon. We need God’s help every single day of our lives to fulfill our ministry.

Thought: Prayer is the means that God has given us to obtain grace and strength to glorify Him.
Prayer: Father, help me to recognise my need for You daily.