Send Me, Jesus (ELW 549)
1 Thu-ma mi-na, thu-ma mi-na, thu-ma mi-na, Nko-si yam.
2 Ndi-ya vu-ma, ndi-ya vu-ma, ndi-ya vu-ma, Nko-si yam.
1 Send me, Jesus; send me, Jesus; send me, Jesus; send me Lord.
2 I am willing; I am willing; I am willing, willing Lord.
Devotion
This South African hymn’s first verse, “Send Me, Jesus,” resonates with the sentiment of the man Jesus healed in our current gospel lesson, Luke 8:26-39. The Gerasene man begged to leave his home to join Jesus’ journeys. The second verse, “I am willing,” recalls the man’s response to Jesus. He chose to willingly obey Jesus’ command, “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you” (v. 39).
The man’s obedient choice also reminds us of guidance from South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu (1931-2021). He advised, “Do your little bit of good where you are; its those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” The man returned home to do his bit of good by declaring the story of how Jesus healed him. God also chooses each of us—wherever we are—to share our unique gifts by doing our little bit of good.
Prayer
Jesus, please choose to send us and, Lord, help us to be willing to obey you. Guide us to choose to share your love by doing our little bit of good wherever we are. Amen.