People at the end of life usually talk about what is really important to them. Some of Jesus’ last words while He was in this world were, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20).
Although Jesus said these words in the presence of His friends, they were not only for them but for us too. Once we experience the amazing love of God, it is too good not to share. It was meant to flow through us to others. Think of springs of living water welling up in us and spilling over and onto the people we meet. People on the other side of the globe need to know about God’s love, and so do the people in our neighborhoods. Who will tell them? Will you invite them into your home or to church or to a Christian event? Will you be around to answer questions or teach a class or mentor a young person?
THINK ABOUT IT
What if Moses had not written down his experiences with God on Mount Sinai? What if he kept the tablets of the Ten Commandments as souvenirs from his time on top of the mountain? What if Jacob or Isaiah or Jeremiah or Peter, James or John had kept God’s message inside of themselves? What if Jesus hadn’t spent time talking about the Father’s love? What if Paul hadn’t written letters to the churches to explain the truth of the gospel and what it meant? I am so glad these people didn’t think their faith was a private thing and that they took time to teach and to write down the stories of what it means to experience God’s love and how to live for Him.
Why are we afraid to talk about God or His love or His ways? Are we afraid we might offend someone or that we might get rejected or persecuted? All the people mentioned above did offend people. They were rejected, persecuted and even martyred. Did they think it was worth it? Yes, God’s amazing love meant enough to them that they wanted others to receive it. Praise God!!
At the end of time, will you regret that you didn’t tell someone about Jesus? Did that person die before you took the opportunity? Will you be sorry about the things God called you to do that you left undone?
PRAY ABOUT IT
Heavenly Father, thank you for your prophets, preachers and teachers who went before us and told the truth about you and about Jesus; about your love and forgiveness; about peace and hope and blessings. O Lord, empower us with confidence and peace to reach a dark and dying world to help people come to know you and receive your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tell Me the Story 