Thursday, April 1, 2010

The life-giving message

Luke 8:1-3: “Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, 2 and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities; Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, 3 and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance.”

Jesus’ passion was for those who were spiritually sick. He told the legalistic people of the day that, those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick do. This is why Jesus came to this world. This is why He was given the title “Immanuel”, which means God with us. He walked along the dirt roads preaching the good news that God have not given up on them. In fact, God sent His only begotten son, that whosoever believes on Him will not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). As Jesus ministered, the scriptures say He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God . Jesus saturated the Galilean countryside with the Good news. He wanted everyone to have an opportunity to make a decision about who He was.

This strategy is seen even in His parable of the Sower. The seed that was spread, (which He later identifies as the word being preached) was not put in neat little perfectly cultivated rows. No! The word was cast out, it was scattered by throwing it. The gospel or good news of Christ is something that needs to be shared with the world. We are not to be prejudice when it comes to who needs the good news of Christ. If your neighbor’s house were on fire, would you not rush over and try to help them keep from burning? That is why we share the gospel to this world. When the gospel comes into one’s life, it changes them. It takes them from sinners and turns them into servants. We are compelled to serve Jesus and the needs of others over our own needs. These women in this scripture all turned from a sinful lifestyle to that of a servant.

The gospel is a life-transforming message. It gives the recipient a purpose and meaning. It takes those who were previously empty and starving for meaning, and changes them, embedding hope and purpose in their lives. That purpose is to carry on the same task that Jesus was so passionate about.

We Christ followers are called also to spread that life changing message of the Good News of Christ. We are also called to guide and direct those who have made decisions for Christ in to active service. It is through our encouragement that others will become like these women and serve Jesus.

Tomorrows Readings:
Old Testament: Judges 8-9 New Testament Luke 8:22-56

No comments:

Post a Comment