A volunteer is a person who gives of their time, efforts, talents to help others.
Where does the urge to volunteer come from? I am suggesting that this urge is a calling from God.
We Christians are in the midst of Easter. We relive the portion of the life of Jesus who voluntarily sacrifices for the rest of us. Have you ever thought of Jesus as a “Reluctant Volunteer”? God called Jesus to volunteer to save the rest of us from our sins. But though Jesus sacrificed (volunteered) for us, was there ever a reluctance? I believe the answer is yes, as we can read in Matthew 26:36, 37, 39, 42, 44:
36Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane…
37…Jesus began to be sorrowful and troubled.
39Going a little farther, Jesus fell face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
42Jesus went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”
44Jesus prayed the third time, saying the same thing.
And as we Christians believe, Jesus voluntarily accepted crucifixion to save us from our sins. Jesus was a ”Reluctant Volunteer”.
Are you a Reluctant Volunteer? I know I have been and perhaps I am now.
But when God calls, when we feel that nudge (it’s the Holy Spirit), you can try to ignore it, you can try to avoid it as Jonah, Jeremiah , and Moses did, but God persists.
So I suggest, as reluctant as any of us may feel, acknowledge the call, accept the call, even with Reluctance.
For God is calling…you and me.
You have questions, so do I, let’s talk.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Bill
Love Conquers Hate