Jul 22

Matthew 8:19-20
Memorise Ephesians 4:1
“…Not by might, nor by power but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts”

Sometime, some teens feel that they would rather serve in church than have to go to school. In church everyone is so nice, and doing God’s work seems so pleasant compared to doing other work. However the reality of serving the Lord, whether as a full-time church worker or as a believer in the world, is not easy.

In our passage today we read about a certain scribe who was eager to follow and serve Christ wherever He went. Scribes were normally known for their pride, and also their hatred for and jealousy of Jesus. It is encouraging to read of this scribe who humbled himself before the Lord and called Him ‘master’. Jesus welcomed him, but He had a warning. Jesus explained that following Him would be a hard life. Jesus, who is our best example of service, explained that even the foxes and birds have a place to rest, but He did not. In this sense, the animals are better off than those who serve Christ. We can also see this exemplified in the life of the apostle Paul. Paul suffered a great deal for the sake of the gospel and was eventually put to death for Christ’s sake.

The hard life of a believer is not confined only to those who serve full- time. All who will trust in Christ and serve Him, that is, all believers, must be prepared to suffer for His sake. In 1 Peter 4:12 we are exhorted not to think of fiery trials as something unusual in the life of a believer. Expect it. However, it is not without its blessings. Each trial brings us closer to the Lord and makes us more like Him. As we grow as believers, so will our peace and joy in the Lord. Despite the difficulties, we actually become happier. Besides that, we are told that eternal crowns await us (Revelation 2:10). Paul also encourages us in 2 Corinthians 4:9 that although times may be hard, we will never be forsaken and lost. God will never leave us without help. 1 Corinthians 10:13 reminds that no temptations will be too much for us to bear.

With all this in mind, we should never be discouraged from serving the Lord. If the Lord calls you into full-time service, you should go in faith, trusting that the Lord will provide. Likewise, the Lord calls all of us to serve Him wherever we may be. As students, we must always strive to serve the Lord as a witness and testimony to Him, and do all we can to extend His Kingdom. Are you ready?

Thought: Only God can keep us faithful and from giving up in our callings.
Prayer: Help me to be always faithful whatever Your calling may be.