Lenten Journey - Day 10

Well, in case you wonder what happened to Day 9 - I just didn't have a chance to write it. I was going to do it Sunday, but I had activities after church and I became so exhausted in the evening I was trying to write it but I decided to wait until today to finish it. Rather refreshed that trying to do it tired. - So here we go.....

Teaching children in Sunday School has to be one of my favorite things to do. The children sometimes say the funniest things. This week's lesson focused on spreading the Good News. The Bible story was of Jesus telling the disciples to go out in pairs. Somewhere in the lesson it was mention that someone had a "change of heart". Remembering that some children take stuff literal one of the little girls says, "ewww how would you do that, cut his heart out and change it, ewww". The other teacher said no, it is just a saying, not to be taken literally, it meant that he at first thought one way but now he thinks a different way. But that wasn't good enough for the little girl. As the lesson went on so did her analogy of how you would literally change a heart. Blood and gore were involved. Finally the other teacher said, enough - I told you that is not what we are talking about.

I later found out from her grandmother that she currently is into Zombies - can't wait until the Easter discussion.

Best this was later in the morning during the church service - the little girl started talking to the Pastor during the children's sermon. The teacher was sitting next to me in choir saying - do not engage in conversation - DO NOT ENGAGE.

It is one thing to tell children about the Good News of Jesus - but how is it to discuss out in the world. I look for opportunities. It might be a God bless you or I mention my church. Sometimes that will start a conversation in beliefs. I find that the easiest route to take. But, to knock on someone's door, like some do, I wouldn't be able to do. I should be - it is the greatest news ever, but something stops us. Embarrassment, it shouldn't be. Maybe it is because people say never to discuss politics or religion, maybe that is grounded into us so much we find it hard to do so.

The Bible tell us -

Mark 16:15 NKJV

“And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.'”

In this passage, Jesus is talking to His disciples who had not believed Mary Magdalene when she proclaimed His resurrection. He instructs them to go forth, sharing the Word of God and baptizing believers. He elaborates on the power of belief by telling the disciples that believers will be able to cast out demons, speak in new tongues, be immune to poison and heal the sick. Belief is a powerful thing.

Matthew 24:14 NKJV

“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.”

In Matthew 24, Jesus’ disciples ask Him for the signs of the “close of the age.” Matthew 24:14 is significant for the end times because it tells us that the gospel will be spread throughout the world “and then the end will come.” This will be one last chance for non-believers to hear, believe and repent.

Psalms 96:3 NKJV

“Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples.”

Psalm 96:3 is part of a hymn lifting up the Lord and praising Him for all that he has done. Much like we are eager to tell people when we are in love, the same should be true of God. We are so filled with love for Him and the blessings of the Spirit that we cannot keep silent.

Revelation 14:6-7 NKJV

“Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people— saying with a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.'”

This end time’s revelation is another important step in the closing of the age. The angel will be proclaiming the gospel, just as God instructed his believers to share with every nation, tribe, language and people in the world.

Matthew 28:19-20 NKJV

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

In these last two verses of Matthew, Jesus instructs His disciples to carry on the work He began in Israel. They are to go throughout the world, sharing the word of God to “all nations” and spreading the truth of His good works so that everyone may know. The last phrase, “I am with you always, to the end of the age,” can be tremendously comforting to God’s people. No matter where He leads us, we will never have to doubt that His presence is with us.

I suggest you work you way into sharing your story with people. And from there on it can lead to spreading the good news. One step at a time is the route I like to take, for you, it might be different. But whatever you do, do your best.

Amen