Hark, the Voice of Jesus Calling, verse 3, LBW 381
3 If you cannot be a watchman,
Standing high on Zion's wall,
Pointing out the path to heaven,
Off'ring life and peace to all,
With your prayers and with your bounties
You can do what God demands;
You can be like faithful Aaron,
Holding up the prophet's hands.
Devotion
As a preacher, I always loved the line in verse two, “If you cannot preach like Paul,” because my name is Paul. But verse three reminds all of us there is something we can do to bring in the Kingdom of God and help grow our local congregation. It may not seem like much when it comes to the gifts of the Holy Spirit, but everyone is needed. You may be the one with the gift of hospitality to welcome strangers. You may be the gardener, the altar guild or the janitor and help make the place of worship holy ground. You may be the one in a congregational meeting that says, “Let us find unity in our love of Jesus.” You may be the Mary who grows closer to Jesus by reading the Bible. You may be the Martha who does deeds of service in Jesus’ Name. We are all needed, no matter how large or small the gift seems to be. “Here am I, send me!”
Prayer
Dear Spirit, thank you for giving me at least one gift to help you bring in the Kingdom. Now give me the power to use it for your glory. Amen.