The Kingdom of Heaven: Moved by Mercy
Every congregation wants to grow. Our Lord wants his church to be fruitful and multiply. But why? At times, our motivation is less than God-pleasing. We may want many to be added to our number because we want to increase in power, prestige, popularity, or pecuniary. But God is not moved by any of these things. Matthew tells us as Jesus looked at the crowds, he was filled with compassion because they were harassed and helpless. God’s love for the lost moved him to action—including sending out his disciples into the midst of an abundant harvest field. Today, our prayer echoes Christ’s. And God’s answer to our prayer is no different. These apostles are the first in a long line of ministers of the message of God’s mercy. Freely we have received the forgiveness of sins and freely we share the good news that the kingdom of heaven has come near! May God bless his people as they expand his kingdom and grow his church!
