Committed To Serve Series

Committed to Serve

Matthew 10: 29-33

Jesus had shared much with the disciples prior to sending them out in pairs of two for ministry. He had been very straightforward with them, revealing the difficulties and opposition they would encounter as the proclaimed the Good News. Some would happily receive them, but many would not. They might as well prepare to deal with doubt and discouragement at times, but even then, they must continue in the work they had been given. Dealing with adversity would be no reason to abandon their work. The task they had received was not for the faint of heart or those who lacked commitment to the Lord.

Difficulty and opposition are to be expected as we strive to serve the Lord. We face an enemy who opposes the work of believers and the church. He will do all he can to hinder our efforts and discourage us as we walk with the Lord, serving Him. Like the disciples, we too must prepare to deal with the difficulties associated with service, and make a determined commitment to abide faithful for the Lord.

We are not the first generation to deal with adversity serving the Lord. Where would we be today had they abandoned the work due to opposition? I am thankful they remained steadfast, even though the work was difficult. If future generations are to hear the Gospel, we must do our part, in our time, to ensure the church remains vibrant and strong. As we consider the affirmations of Jesus within the text, I want to think on: Committed to Serve.

I. The Security for Disciples (29-31) – In order to strengthen their commitment and resolve to ministry, Jesus reminded the disciples of the security they possessed in the Lord. Being aware of their standing with the Father would certainly encourage them to remain steadfast in the face of opposition. As believers, and servants of the Lord, we enjoy the same security. This security is founded in:

A. The Providence of God (29) – Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. Jesus began by reminding the disciples of the limited value of sparrows. Two were sold in that day for a farthing, one tenth of a Roman dinar. This could be viewed in our day as two sparrows being sold for a penny or a nickel. Their value in society was next to nothing, and yet Jesus declared that these do not fall to the ground without the Father knowing and permitting their demise. If the Father was aware of, and cared that much for a sparrow, how much more would he provide for them? God was in control of the sparrows, and He was in control of their lives as well. These had been called to serve the Lord, and they were not sent out alone. Their lives were kept by His sovereign hand as they served Him!

As we serve the Lord, dealing with the adversity that always accompanies our efforts, it is easy to focus on the difficulties and forget the providence of God in our lives. There is much that we will face as we seek to serve the Lord, but we face nothing apart from His knowledge or beyond His ability to handle. If He is aware of the fowls of the air, providing daily for them, how much more is He aware of those who have to come to faith in Christ? Our lives and service to the Lord do not happen by chance or circumstance. The Lord is sovereign over our lives, having absolute control of all that we encounter. The believer can rest in the divine providence of God.

B. The Provision of God (30) – But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Jesus revealed the level of care the disciples received from the Lord. Not only was He aware of the sparrow that fell to the ground, He was aware of the very hairs upon their heads. God knew much more about them than they knew of themselves. Jesus implied that a God who cares enough to know how many hairs are on their heads, would surely care enough to provide their needs as they served Him. He provided for the sparrows and He would provide for them.

This is a comforting verse when we pause to consider its profound implications. God created this world and all it contains. He provides daily for the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air. Matt.6:26 – Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? If God is faithful to provide for the rest of His creation, why are we prone to worry and doubt His care for us? Like the disciples, the Lord knows what we need, and He will provide.