'Moved with Compassion'
was moved with compassion. It broke Jesus’ heart to see so many hanging on by a thread of hope. Matthew says that Jesus was moved with compassion, “because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Then He turned to His disciples and said, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Matt 9:37-38). Jesus was not being very subtle. He could have finished it up by saying, “I’m talking about you guys!” Jesus enlisted His disciples to fulfill the mission. Like a good mentor, Jesus showed them how to minister, helped them minister, and watched them minister. Each step of the way He was developing followers who could help those who are lost and harassed like sheep without a shepherd.
Jesus looks out across our culture today. He sees the brokenness, the pain, the loneliness, the lostness of people. The cultural narrative is wreaking havoc. Families are struggling in an increasingly toxic environment that diminishes the importance of the Biblical family structure. Children are being told in schools and social media that there are little to no restraints on their sexuality. Even their most fundamental sense of self is unmoored. The confusion of gender ideology has brought psychological distress and, for some, permanent physical damage. People are caught up in postmodern thought that tells them that whatever they think of the world and themselves is perfectly true and no one has the right to tell them otherwise. Jesus turns to us and says, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”(Matt 9:37-38). This is not a casual observation. It is a call to action.
Munholland Methodist is Jesus’ alternative and hope for the Metairie area. God alone is the one who is the solid rock upon which we can stand in this tumultuous world. He provides the foundation, boundaries, character, integrity, and a sense of place and purpose for each person’s life.
Many of you may not know that, throughout this past difficult year, individuals and families have joined Munholland. Individuals are looking for forgiveness and grounding in a Biblical life. Young families want to ground their children in a faith that will go the distance. Many others are looking for a place to continue their walk with the Lord in a community that builds each other up and encourages each other along the way. Some want to jump in and use their gifts for the Kingdom as expressed in the ministry and mission of Munholland.
We are workers called to be the hands and feet of Jesus in this broken world. He calls us to bring His message of hope, salvation, healing, and renewal to the lost and hurting. Jesus sometimes gives us easy ways to witness with our words and actions. Sometimes, He calls us to step out of our comfort zone. Either way, God wants to do His work for the glory of His Kingdom. Ask the Lord of the Harvest what He has in store for you today. Who is it that He has placed on your heart and filled you with compassion for? Start by praying for them. Then be ready for a time when the door is open to have meaningful conversation and prayer with that person. It might be a little scary, and you might risk a little rejection. But think of the incredible privilege of seeing lives changed, relationships healed, and life giving community. The reward of obedience will be experienced now and continued into eternity.
God is stirring Munholland. Something new is unfolding. We are entering into a new and exciting chapter of expanding ministry. Many are energized and asking “What can I do?” Each person is called to play their part in guiding the sheep to the Good Shepherd who will lead them into flourishing life in Him. Are you open to whatever God may be calling you to do? Will you be a part of ministry that you have never done? We can partner with God and build momentum in ministry. Let’s do all we can to keep in step with God who is moving ahead of us.
In Christ,
Jonathan