I have been a pastor now for four years.  There is nothing more exciting and fulfilling to see the Holy Spirit work in and through others.  So, I want to share a story about two really special people whom I have watched their faith grow.  The first is the organist at my last congregation.  When I first became the pastor of that congregation, we had a Wednesday evening worship service that did not have any music.  It was just spoken.  So, I asked our organist to consider playing on Wednesday evenings, as I felt that would help to attract more people to come and worship.  Reluctantly, she said “yes!”  I remember her saying, “What did I just do!”  Now four years later, she and another wonderful parishioner, who now preaches on Wednesday evenings, have kept that worship experience going – preaching the Gospel and singing God’s praises!  Saying “Yes!” to God grows our faith and allows the Holy Spirit to work in us in profound and amazing ways!

In Matthew 27:63 –28:20, is the story of Jesus’ resurrection.  Pilate is extremely nervous about Jesus and sends guards to protect the tomb just in case Jesus really does raise from the dead or if someone tries to steal his body.  But, of course, there was ‘nothing’ that would have kept Jesus from coming out of that tomb!  The now eleven disciples meet Jesus on the mountain as instructed.  Jesus commissions them: “Go therefore 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 that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20).  God calls each of us to say “yes” to his ministries!  Our faith will not grow and become stagnant and our hearts complacent, if we are not open to God’s “Yes!”

How can Christ’s commission to make disciples open your heart and mind to do the work of the Lord?  After all, Jesus promises, “I am with you always!” We have nothing to lose, but everything to gain!  Saying “YES” is living a Life of the Resurrected Christ!

Let us pray…Gracious God, help us to hear your call for us in this world.  Help us to see and acknowledge the ways we can work for you in our communities, in our churches, and in the world.  Lord, bless and keep those who have said “yes” to your work.  Give them the strength to continue to persevere until the race is over.  In your name we pray, Amen.