THE MASTER’S MEN

January 13

Bible Reading: Matthew 10

Matthew 10:1a, “And he called to him his twelve disciples.”

Jesus saw the crowds and had compassion for them, “because they were-as they still are—harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36).  Recognizing the scarcity of hands for such a plentiful harvest, He asked His disciples to pray that the Lord of the Harvest might send laborers (Matthew 9:37-38).

The answer to these prayers was the disciples themselves.  Jesus called them (Matthew 10:1).  He sent them out with His instructions (Matthew 10:5; 11:1).  Much in this chapter has specific relevance to the Apostles—they were to proclaim a message of the kingdom (Matthew 10:7); they were to go only to the “lost sheep of Israel” (Matthew 10:6); and they were to go doing good in miraculous ways (even raising the dead; Matthew 10:8).  Portions of the chapter look forward to a future time, but the passage still has relevance to us.

It is striking to note the means through which God chose to do the work He intended to do.  Jesus did not recruit and call men from the powerful, well-connected, or even well-educated.  He deliberately chose ordinary men—fishermen, a tax-collector, a zealot, and others (Matthew 10:2-4).  These men were merely human and would demonstrate their limitations on countless occasions.  But once Spirit-filled, after Christ’s resurrection, God would use them (all but Judas) and others like them to “(turn) the world upside down” (Acts 17:6).  God was well pleased to work through ordinary men to accomplish His extraordinary plans.  He still works that way:

“For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.  But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even the things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.”

1 Corinthians 1:26-29

The chapter is full of warnings regarding difficulties associated with ministry.  These same difficulties exist in this day and are experienced in varying degrees by Christ’s followers around the world.  He sent them out as “sheep in the midst of wolves” (Matthew 10:16).  He Himself, the Lamb of God, ministered amidst wolves.  These “wolves” relentlessly worked and conspired against Him, seeking His demise.  His followers should expect to experience the same kind of abuse (Matthew 10:24-25; Philippians 1:29; 1 Timothy 3:12).  So, it is important that they be “wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16).

“Have no fear of them,” He said (Matthew 10:26).  Contend for the truth — “say it in the light… proclaim it on the housetops” (Matthew 10:26-27; Jude 3).  The truth will prevail (Matthew 10:26; 2 Timothy 2:9).  Have no fear — “even the hairs of your head are all numbered” by Him (Matthew 10:30).  The Master’s Plan?  Ordinary men facing extraordinary opposition made victorious through the Master and His power and love (Romans 8:31-39)!

Dawson Trotman, “Soul winners are not soul winners because of what they know, but because of Who they know, and how well they know Him, and how much they long for others to know Him.”

And ‘tho this world with devils filled,
Should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed
His truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim,
We tremble not at him—
His rage we can endure,
For lo, his doom is sure:
One little word shall fell him.

Unknown's avatar

Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

Leave a comment