In this passage we see the calling of the first missionaries. Yet, too often today, we leave the mission work up to missionaries. Yes, telling others of the Gospel of Christ is the job of missionaries, and the missionaries cannot do that without help form local churches. But, the local churches job does not end there. We must not forget that church members have a voice as well. A voice which may praise God as well as tell others of Christ.

As Americans, we usually identify ourselves as Americans. While it is a good thing to be proud for our nation, it is not the primary thing we should identify as. As a Christian we should be even more quick to identify as a Christian. As a Christian missionary, I must forget about trying to make the nations I visit more American and focus on making them Christian.

When we see the needs of others, we should be moved with compassion as Jesus was when he saw the people. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is enough to change us, yes! The Gospel is what we should share with others. Yet, when we are so busy with the other activities of life, how can we have a compassion that will move us to share it with others?

Today, just as in Paul’s day, people are blinded to the Gospel. They hear and they see, but their minds are blinded. This is true both in America and around the world. To help those who are blinded understand, we must have open honest conversation with them, opening the Word for them to see; but we must also live the same Word that we proclaim.

We often treat the Gospel as if it were just another word. The Gospel of Jesus Christ, the good news of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ is what saves us from an eternity in Hell. It cost our Savior a cruel death on the cross. Because we are saved by that Gospel, we owe Christ our reasonable service. No matter how difficult or lives may become, it is nothing compared to what He went through.

We need someone to stand guard and be a first line of defense, warning of danger. This was true in Ezekiel’s time and it is no less true today. Ezekiel was God’s watchman. He warned Israel to repent of their sins and once again, begin to follow God. Today, that task belongs to the Church. It is the job of Christians to tell people they should repent and turn to God. What kind of watchman are we?

God’s grace can never be earned; it can only be given. As we look at the book of John, we see a wonderful example of God’s grace as Jesus washed the feet of Judas. He washed his feet even as He understood it was Judas who betrayed Him. God always looks for opportunities to provide grace, and if He will give grace to His betrayer, certainly He will give grace to you and me.

Cultures may change, but God’s Word does not. In this passage we see that Paul addresses servants. In today’s culture we don’t have servants, but most of us do have jobs. The relationship, whether we call it servant-master or employer-employee is much the same. Let’s learn together what God expects from Christians in our workplace relationships.

God chose David to be His servant and the King of Israel. God promised David His grace, but then David began to make poor decisions. God did give Grace to David, but sometimes that Grace came in the form of punishment. When we drift from God, He offers us His grace, and yes, sometimes His grace comes to us in the form of punishment.

Sometimes in our Christian life we feel stuck in a place where we can’t seem to move forward. In this passage Paul address this feeling of being in bondage to other than what God wants for us. This bondage is related back to the law. Yet, in Christ, we are free from bondage and have been granted liberty. Not liberty to sin, but liberty in Christ.