Devotional for Ministerial

3 Greats

We are right in the middle of the playoffs. To some that might mean Basketball, but to others, when you hear of the Battle of Alberta, It can take on a whole different meaning of it’s own.

I think back to the rivalry of the 1980’s and the early 90’s and think of the Great One, Wayne Gretzky, Lanny McDonald, Mark Messier, Doug Gilmour, and the list could go on and on.

But this morning, I want to look at three Greats. I won’t go into great depth, but I think, there is value in these: The Great Commandment, The Great Requirement, and the Great Commission.

I believe that each of these have made an enormous impact in each of our lives.

Let’s look at

The Great Commandment

Matthew 22:37–40 NIV

Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

This has impacted us to the very core of our beings. It simplifies the ten Commandments to 2, and yet everything that we do as pastors is driven by this.

Love God and love others.

The Great Requirement

Micah 6:8 NIV

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

What does God require of us?

Cain asked God, “Am I my brother’s keeper?”

The answer is a resounding “YES!”

When I see the love that goes into every food hamper, when I see the mercy that is shown to those around us that are not so lovely, when I see the humility of God’s people caring for others, It makes my heart glad to know that God is at work among us.

The Great Commission

Matthew 28:19–20 NIV

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

We aren’t here Just to be good people. We are here to point people to Jesus. He is still the way. He is still the truth, and He is still the life.

Paul the Apostle said these words that still ring true today in

1 Corinthians 1:23–24 NIV

but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

As we go and minister, let’s lead people to Jesus and show all this great love that God has so loved us.