September 13 - Response-ability

 Read today’s texts first: Ezekiel 33-35; Revelation 18

MAXIMize YOUR DAY

When we fail to tell others about Jesus,
their blood is on our hands; when we do,
the responsibility shifts to them.

I never planned on doing this!  If I had my way, I’d have spent the last 50 plus years running a business and the only people I’d be responsible for would be my staff and customers.  But instead I became the overseer of 100s of students and parishioners at a college and various churches for most of those years.  It was exciting and terrifying at the same time, knowing that each of those lives represented 100s or perhaps 1000s more they in turn could eventually influence!

That weight of responsibility hit me during my reading this morning.  In Ezekiel 33 I was reminded of how accountable I am as a minister to tell others about Jesus.  If they reject the message then that responsibility shifts to them; if I fail to tell them when God asks me to, their blood is on my hands.  In chapter 34, I stand with the shepherds who are obligated to care for their sheep before seeking their own comforts.  Sometimes I just want to watch TV.  Sometimes I just want to be one of the sheep and have someone worry about me for a change.

But when I hear the life-changing exploits of these same church members, students and graduates, all those second thoughts disappear.  It’s the cycle of real life, and I wouldn’t have traded it for the most profitable business imaginable!

“Thank you Lord that You had a better plan for my life than I did.  Remind me of this joy in serving You the next time I have second thoughts!”