Re-Commissioned

April 13, 2015 Monday Message:

“Simon, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord, you know I do.” “Then feed my sheep.” from John 22:15-17 CEV

God calls each of us into ministry in various ways. Most are not ministry professionals. Some are helpers, encouragers, counselors or mentors. Some have the gift of hospitality. When the church needs to celebrate a victory or launch a new event, they know exactly what needs to take place.

But sometimes we can all get tired, discouraged or afraid, and our ministry efforts lose the priority they once had. We need a boost, a shot-in-the-arm, a re-launching of our commission. We need to be re-called into ministry.

In spite of the fact that Jesus had told the disciples that he needed to suffer and die, I get the feeling that no one saw Good Friday coming. That series of events left their movement fractured, without a leader. Simon had been trained for the role, but that same Simon denied Jesus three times to save his own skin. The disciples were depressed and confused; ministry was at a standstill.

Jesus needed to re-launch the ministry and re-commission Simon. Jesus needed to let everyone know that Simon was still the point-person for the new movement, and that the Christians were still in business.

Sometimes a ministry needs to be re-launched. Sometimes a Christian worker needs to be re-commissioned. It worked for Jesus! “Feed my Sheep - follow Me!”

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) gathers at 10 a.m. every Sunday in the North end (gym) of the Oliver Ministry Building, 2647 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis. This week, April 19, we welcome Pastor Retha Dowells with a message from Luke 7:36-50.