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Gospel Reading for July 08, 2025 – Matthew 9: 32-38
NEVER GIVE UP AND JUST FOCUS
A demoniac who could not speak was brought to Jesus, and when the demon was driven out the mute man spoke. The crowds were amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees said, “He drives out demons by the prince of demons.” Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”
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There will be people like the Pharisees who will say discouraging things and even insult us; people the devil will use to weaken our resolve. It is always best to ignore them and not let them triumph over good. If there are those we should not ignore, it is the people who are in need – those troubled and abandoned like sheep without a shepherd. Jesus shows us how it is to be a laborer for his harvest: to NEVER GIVE UP AND JUST FOCUS on the mission. He assures us that he will always be with us through the Holy Spirit.
Let us ponder on this hymn written by Crosby and Doane, RESCUE THE PERISHING –
Rescue the perishing,
care for the dying.
Snatch them in pity from sin
and the grave;
Weep o’er the erring one;
Lift up the fallen;
Tell them of Jesus the mighty to save.
Rescue the perishing,
Care for the dying;
Jesus is merciful,
Jesus will save.
Though they are slighting Him,
still He is waiting;
Waiting the penitent child to receive;
Plead with them earnestly,
Plead with them gently;
He will forgive if they only believe.
Down in the human heart,
Crushed by the tempter,
Feelings lie buried that grace can restore;
Touched by a loving heart,
Wakened by kindness,
Chords that are broken
will vibrate once more.
Rescue the perishing;
Duty demands it;
Strength for thy labor the Lord will provide;
Back to the narrow way,
patiently win them;
Tell the poor wand’rer a Savior has died.
