SUMMARY: Mute dogs
OVERVIEW: God’s covenant is available to all who seek and follow him. God welcomes the “outcasts” into his family, but he rebukes Israel’s leaders. God calls them “mute dogs” who only sleep and focus on their needs.
BIG IDEA: The church is to be the hope of the world—an unstoppable force—not a mute dog.
KEY VERSE: Isaiah 56:10 (God speaking about Israel’s leaders)
For the leaders of my people— the Lord’s watchmen, his shepherds— are blind and ignorant. They are like silent watchdogs that give no warning when danger comes. They love to lie around, sleeping and dreaming.
IF GOD WROTE YOU A LETTER
My church is called to make disciples. Disciples are active, obedient, and intentional. They are not merely busy so they have something to do. And they do not serve out of guilt. Rather, they are strategic and healthy because they receive my grace and extend it to others. I want you to blossom like a healthy tree along a river. I want you to be part of a church where all people are welcomed and loved and cared for.
Don’t be lazy. Don’t be indifferent. Don’t consume without thinking about others’ needs. I have commissioned you to be a lifelong learner who steps out in faith and equips others to do the same. I have given you this calling because I know you can do it. You are never alone. I am always with you. Lock arms with your brothers and sisters and serve me with joy. You are the church and I will empower you to bring hope to the world.
NEXT STEP
Be ready and active to make a difference in the world. Evaluate your current role at church. If you are not actively involved, talk to a pastor about how you can begin. If you are currently serving, contact 2-3 of your ministry teammates and encourage them. Remind them that what they are doing has the potential to change lives!
LYRIC VIDEO