God Invites us into His Service

Pray – (1/2 minute)

Read – (2 1/2 minutes) – “Anyone of His people among you – may His God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem in Judah and build the temple of the Lord, the God of Israel, the God who is in Jerusalem.” (Ezra 1:3)
      Passage: Matthew 4:18-22

        The Jewish people had been in exile for 70 years when King Cyrus conquered Babylon and issued the edit that allowed them to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. By that time, it is estimated that the Jewish population in Babylon was around 1 million people. Most of them had been born during those 70 years. Homes and businesses had been built. They people had grown comfortable and were used to the area. The invitation was given to return to Jerusalem, but only about 50,000 ended up responding to go.
       In Jesus’ public ministry, He invited people to come to Him. He invited them to come for salvation. (Matthew 11:28-30) Those who were believers, He invited to come for service. (Luke 10:1-2) God’s plan for reaching the world involves people, but He doesn’t force anyone to join His Kingdom. He invites us, but we have to say yes to His call. God wants you to be one who says yes when He calls. He gifted you for service and He has good plans for you to impact your world. Say yes and be available. The journey of service will be worth it all!

Apply - (2 1/2 minutes)
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Pray - (1 1/2 minutes)