CALLED TO SERVE

PRAYER

Precious and everlasting God, thank you for giving us yet another Sunday to learn from you. May your words be a beacon of light, guiding hearts towards selfless service. May your message inspire us to embrace the call to serve with compassion, humility, and unwavering dedication. May the wisdom you share ignite a flame of purpose in each listener, fostering a community bound by love and a shared commitment to making a positive impact in  the name of JESUS Christ Amen.

Dear beloved in Christ,

Grace and peace be unto you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Today, 25th Sunday after Trinity, we gather under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to delve into the Word of God, exploring the theme: "Called to Serve."

As we reflect on the scriptures from Psalm 100: 1-3, Ezekiel 34: 11-24, Ephesians 1: 15-23, and Matthew 25: 31-46, we are reminded of the divine call to service that echoes through the ages.

I. Let us acknowledge the Call (Psalm 100:1-3)

In Psalm 100, we are called to enter into the Lord's presence with thanksgiving and praise. As servants of the Most High, let us first recognize and acknowledge the privilege of being called into His service. Our service is an expression of gratitude for the grace and mercy we have received. We have to sing a Hymn of praise to Our Lord who created and takes care of us. He has called us to salvation and Service. He has called us to preach and teach his Word to the nations. He has called us to repentance. He has called us to holiness. He has called us to exhibit his character  to one another in society. EPH 462:1-2

II. The Shepherd's Call. The good Shepherd. (Ezekiel 34:11-24)

God called Ezekiel and commissioned him as a watchman to the nation. He is to warn and teach them to live in righteousness. He has been charged not to be afraid  of the people he will be ministering to. Ezekiel reveals the compassionate heart of our great Shepherd. He talks about the restoration of the flocks. The call to serve is not rooted in obligation but in the boundless love of our God. As we explore Ezekiel's words, let us meditate on the responsibility entrusted to us as shepherds under the Great Shepherd. Our service is an extension of God's love and care for His flock. We are to take good care of the flocks that are scattered all over by bringing them together again, feeding them, putting them at a comfortable place, bandage those that are hurt, and heal those that are sick.  Depending on the Lord is a good idea because he wwould give us total serenity, peace of mind, safety and protection. It is really great thing to serve the Lord and a good thing to depend, trust and reliay  on the Lord who is the great shepherd.

III.  The Final Judgment.  (Matthew 25:31-46)

In the parable of the sheep and the goats, Jesus paints a vivid picture of the final judgment of the Nations which will take place immediately after his second coming. It will be according to how we have treated our neighbours. Our service to the least of those in society will reflect our response to Christ. Let us examine our hearts and actions, ensuring that our service is genuine and stems from a love for Christ. Our service has eternal implications. A person's eternal destiny is determined by whether or not that person has helped those actually in need. In helping them, one helps "the King of all humanity". When He comes in Glory, He will divide the Nations into two groups, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. The sheep here represent the righteous poeple who will be on his right side and the others on his left represent the goats.

He will tell the righteous; "Come, you that are blessed by my Father! Come and possess the kingdom which has been prepared for you ever since the creation of the world. I was hungry and you fed me, thirsty and you gave me a drink; I was a stranger and you received me in your homes, I was naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me "(Matthew 25:34-36). Right dealing with Poeple during times of need is very important. Let's take note of that.

Now the righteous in amazement will ask; "Lord, when did we see you... and we supported you."

Jesus would however reply " I tell you, whenever you did this for one of the least important of these members of my family, you did it for me" (Matthew 25:40). My dear Sisters and brothers in the Lord, let's be mindful of how we treat people in society. Help your neighbours. We shall be judged according to how we treat our neighbours.

Jesus Christ will judge each and every one of us according to how we relate to our neighbours. Those who trample down what they don't eat, drink clear water and muddy what they don't drink meanwhile that's what others will be eating and drinking, push the sick people aside and butted them away from the flock, have no mercy for anybody else in society; don't feed the hungry, don't give water to the thirsty to drink, refuse to welcome strangers into their homes, refuse to clothe the naked, refuse to take care of the sick and those in prison etc. (Ezekiel 34:17-23, Matthew 25:41-43). The Lord will say to them, one day "Away from me, you that are under God's curse! Away to the eternal fire which has been prepared for the Devil and his angels" (Matthew 25:41). Let's us not try to harm people in times of need. To bless someone who belongs to God, is to bless God; to harm someone who belongs to God, is to harm God. We see here the results of such action. Let's repent and do what's expected of us.

IV. Prayer for Revelation by Paul. (Ephesians 1:15-23)

In Ephesians, Paul's prayer consists of Thanksgiving for the members, for spiritual wisdom and revelation resonates with our call to serve. Let us seek a deeper understanding of God's purpose for our lives and the lives of those we serve. Our service is enriched when it flows from a heart enlightened by the wisdom of the Spirit. May God grant us a deeper understanding of the Christian Faith.

Beloved, as we navigate the 25th Sunday after Trinity, let us commit ourselves afresh to the call of service. May our lives be living testimonies to the transformative power of Christ's love, and may we hear the Master say, "Well done, good and faithful servant" on that glorious day. May the Holy Spirit empower us to fulfill the calling to serve with joy, humility, and unwavering dedication in the precious name of our Lord and Saviour JESUS Christ Amen.

Rev. Sylvanus Kpodonu

EPCG

Tanyigbe District