April 2015

For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” (Romans 10:13-15 ESV)

As we approach the celebration of Christ's resurrection, we remember the beautiful ugliness of what He suffered for us, taking on all of our sins, our suffering, our angst, our uncertainty and defeating death on our behalf. His suffering paid the debt we owed for our sin and our disrespect for the love of God. We celebrate His rising, proving He is everything that He told us He is . . . the Son of God. Our Savior and redeemer. 

Those who have given their lives to Christ and accepted His grace and forgiveness owe more to Him than thankfulness. We owe our lives, thoughts, actions, praise . . . our everything. By taking what is freely given to us through His life, death and rising, we also take on the charge He gave to His followers when He prayed to the Father as He prepared to be betrayed and sent to complete the task that God had assigned him, to be like Him and go out into the world and continue what He started in us. 

As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.  And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. (John 17:18-19)

In our lives, on a day-to-day basis, as we interact in our jobs, on the street, within our own homes and families, we have the opportunity to present the gospel, the saving grace that is ours through Christ. How often do we let that time pass that cannot be reclaimed, where, rather than a turned head or harsh word, we could show kindness and love, the love that God shows us; the love that God has for every single person who is, was, or will be in this world.

 

Can our righteousness be so righteous that we are blinded to those who desperately need what we have to give? Are we so selfish as to hoard this gift, even though, in truth, as we give it away it is returned exponentially? It is true, the more we love and give, the more we receive. A very good friend of mine often says, "My cup's so full, I'm drinking from the saucer."

--Lord, let me remember what it is you have done on my behalf. Remind me through your Word, and by the Holy Spirit in me. Father, help me focus on you as I live out my earthly life in this world, and keep me on the path you have set for me. As the celebration of Jesus' resurrection comes, please, God, open up the minds and soften the hearts of those who do not yet know and put their trust in You, that they will come to You and realize what love and comfort really is. In Christ's name I pray. Amen