"De-ditching" My Ox or An Inconvenient Ministry
I have been unable to post for a couple of days. Although I missed hearing from all of you, missed checking and commenting on your blogs and missed the community we have, I was busy elsewhere. I have spent the last two days about 100 miles away at a hospital, sitting with an elderly man and his family during surgery and recovery. There are not many things as boring as sitting in a hospital waiting room. And yet, I enjoyed the time I spent with this family. They were delightful. We laughed and cried and prayed together. And at the end of the day,(s) I felt good-----tired but good. It was good to be about "ministry".
Sometimes, I forget that ministry is really what Jesus lived. His ministry, not only included preaching and teaching, but also touching lives, making a difference, lifting spirits, healing wounds, and offering comfort. I have always been touched by the story of the widow of Nain. The text says Jesus saw this woman, grieving over her son and "His heart went out to her". He raised this boy back to life and gave this mother back her hope. It was about ministry. Doesn't it say He came to heal the sick and set the captives free? Doesn't it say that because of His ministry, the blind see and the lame walk? Matthew 14 tells us about Jesus trying to get away to a quiet place, presumably to pray and grieve for His murdered friend, John the Baptist. Jesus needed some space and yet when the crowds kept coming, scripture says, He felt compassion on them and healed their sick. There are numerous passages in Mark that speak of the crowds pressing on Jesus so He had no time to eat, and He desired rest, and yet He continued to minster. There was not a time that was too inconvenient for Him to minister to others.
But sometimes, ministry is inconvenient for us. Sometimes, we find we have lots of good things we need to do. Sometimes, we are tired and sometimes we are grieving and sometimes we just need some quiet time, and yet, ministry calls. It seems that being more like Christ means setting selfish thoughts aside and being about the doing the work of ministry. I don't believe we should abuse ourselves or neglect our families, but I do believe that if our ministry is filled with doing things that do not touch and change lives, then . . .my friends, we are simply busy doing "busy-work". We must be in people's lives, touching their hearts, praying for their healing, greiving with them, weeping for them, helping them grow, leading them to Christ. Sometimes this will be inconvenient. But then, matters of life and death usually are. Sometimes the ox is in the ditch and you just have to stop whatever good thing you are doing and minister to the ox.
Peace
Neva
Sometimes, I forget that ministry is really what Jesus lived. His ministry, not only included preaching and teaching, but also touching lives, making a difference, lifting spirits, healing wounds, and offering comfort. I have always been touched by the story of the widow of Nain. The text says Jesus saw this woman, grieving over her son and "His heart went out to her". He raised this boy back to life and gave this mother back her hope. It was about ministry. Doesn't it say He came to heal the sick and set the captives free? Doesn't it say that because of His ministry, the blind see and the lame walk? Matthew 14 tells us about Jesus trying to get away to a quiet place, presumably to pray and grieve for His murdered friend, John the Baptist. Jesus needed some space and yet when the crowds kept coming, scripture says, He felt compassion on them and healed their sick. There are numerous passages in Mark that speak of the crowds pressing on Jesus so He had no time to eat, and He desired rest, and yet He continued to minster. There was not a time that was too inconvenient for Him to minister to others.
But sometimes, ministry is inconvenient for us. Sometimes, we find we have lots of good things we need to do. Sometimes, we are tired and sometimes we are grieving and sometimes we just need some quiet time, and yet, ministry calls. It seems that being more like Christ means setting selfish thoughts aside and being about the doing the work of ministry. I don't believe we should abuse ourselves or neglect our families, but I do believe that if our ministry is filled with doing things that do not touch and change lives, then . . .my friends, we are simply busy doing "busy-work". We must be in people's lives, touching their hearts, praying for their healing, greiving with them, weeping for them, helping them grow, leading them to Christ. Sometimes this will be inconvenient. But then, matters of life and death usually are. Sometimes the ox is in the ditch and you just have to stop whatever good thing you are doing and minister to the ox.
Peace
Neva
posted by Neva | 8:12 AM
16 Comments:
I stand convicted yet again. I'm guilty of making my busy work more important than ministering to others. I'm grateful for the reminder. I wondered where you were, possibly traveling. I should have know that you were doing the Lord's work. I'm so grateful to know you, Sister. Thank you for the lesson and for being my friend.
I love you!
Tammy
I echo Tammy's comment. While I am always encouraged to see your post, it encouraged me also to know what you were doing. You have always been a "minister" and yes, I am "watching my use of language". :) I appreciate you my friend.
Love
Pat
I agree with the other comments. I definitely need to get out and DO more ministry!!
You always make me think. I like that. Thanks for the nudge--we all need to be ministering instead of just being busy.
blessings to you,
Dan
It seems we are allowed to compartmentalize things too much. Some separate faith from everyday life and others separate sharing faith from ministry. I think somewhere it says we are called to be light. There just seem to be alot of bushes and satan tries to blow awfully hard. Light is light is does not matter where it is. It illuminates.
I like that last comment. Light is light, but if it doesnt shine where anyone can see it, what is the point? Our light shining has to shine on people, to light the way, to vanish the darkness. Its like leaving the light on in your house when nobodys home, its only there to fool people. If you shine your light without being a part of peoples lives, you are only trying to fool people. We are called to be servants, teachers, ministers, all require someone on the receiveing end.
Christ's entire life was about shining. Even when He went off alone to pray, He was setting an example. Even then He was shining--I agree with Neva, He was all about ministry. Good post
Dean
Neva,
Josh is on day 6 of 103 temp. The doctor will do blood work if it doesn't go away by tomorrow. Last week I wrote a post about an ox, but I am just now posting it today. With Josh being sick, I haven't had time to write much. So this was very timely with what I have been thinking about.
Also, I picked up a new volunteer job at the library today. Serving has a variety of forms and sometimes I forget to open my eyes to them.
Kathy
As a housebound person who can't even get Meals on Wheels because neither of the two programs in my county will screen for food allergies, I can definitley say there aren't enough like you.
Loved this post. You are so right. We have it all mixed up. Thanks for the nudge towards more ministry.
Monica
When I was a small child I had to spend a lot of time at doctors offices. My mother and I spent lots of time playing 'Bee Bee Bumble Bee' to pass the time. Last week I was in the Doctor's office my my grandson and had an exceptionally long wait, so I began the old childhood game with him of 'Bee Bee Bumble Bee.'
I have to continually look at my tasks before me and think.....are these busy tasks or ministering tasks? The busy tasks seem to dominate my lives.
Thank you all for commenting.
Tammy--it is my pleasure and honor to be your friend and your Christian sister. Pat, you are so funny, I had forgotten that we girls shouldn't be talkin about bein minsters. Lisa, you know I love you.
I am so glad yall stopped by and I am humbled by your comments. I believe what seems like busy work sometimes turns into real ministry. And yet, I know sometimes our lives get filled with so much busywork and so many tasks that we have no time for the people in our lives. Sorry I'm preaching.
Kathy, I am praying for Josh.
Paul, I am praying that God will send someone into your life that can minister to you and help with some of those tasks.
Monolea and Monica--glad to see you--thank you for visiting me in my little corner of blogville.
Love yall
Neva
I really love the second title. I think someone should write a book called "An Inconvenient Ministry". It would sell like hotcakes. I'd buy one and I bet others would too.
Love ya,
Jean
Neva - Thanks for coming by my blog. I have been very busy and ithas kept me fromdoingas much "surfing" as I would like.
Your encouragement is appreciated.
God Bless
Charlie
Neva - you know who this is, and whose father that was, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being there for and with us, and for the nudge of the Holy Spirit back into my husband's life! He has now quit smoking, among other things he has now laid aside! Praise God for you and Ned! To see Jesus in everyday life is what this world needs, and if anyone does this well, you two do! We shall see you guys in another 3-4 weeks! I am encouraged to keep on Keeping on, Until He Comes! We love y'all!
Oh Becky,
I am so glad yall made it home okay. I have been praying for you both. I knew you were sick and hope you are now on the mend. I am excited to have you here in Spearman. Tennesee's loss will be our gain.
Thank you for stopping by my friend,
Love
Neva
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