Scriptural Reference:
“Do not boast about
tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.”
Proverbs 27:1
"Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the
clouds will not reap."
Ecclesiastes 11:4
"If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do
it, it is sin for them."
James 4:17
"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to
give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope
that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,"
1 Peter 3:15
"We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making
his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled
to God."
2 Corinthians 5:20
"He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel
to all creation."
Mark 16:15
Reflection:
So many people like to wait until just the right time or place to do
something. Weather it has to do with asking for a pay rise. Or proposing
to someone to get married. Or in the rare case, talking to someone about
Jesus the Christ and salvation. People are always looking for that perfect
moment when they will feel safest. When there is a limited chance that
something will go wrong. Yet life is not always easy to plan for. How
many marriage proposals have ended in tears when the person being proposed
to rejects and friend zones the person. Or the boss who just laughs
at the request for a par rise. What we need to understand is that there
are two time lines that run linear to each other. The first is that
which follows human intentions and expectations. The other is God's
time line and the perfect infinite.
When it comes to
sharing the Gospel with our family and friends we can become stuck in
a quagmire of fears and hesitations. Perhaps we have experienced the
negative reactions to our newly found faith. The sarcastic slurs against
us. The painful reminders of past mistakes. With an equally acidic attack
on our commitment to change our ways. It's no wonder so many hesitate
in sharing their faith. Holding out and waiting for what they believe
would be the best time to do so. But what would the perfect time even
look like? How would we recognise it when the time arrives?
Would it be during
a painful event or experience? Perhaps when some has died? Or have passed
through a life changing or threatening event? Would it be when things
are pleasant and peaceful? When people are enjoying life and not under
threat? In each case we might think there would be room to talk about
the Gospel and Gods Grace for us. Yet in each there would be the same
barriers and roadblocks to stop our witness. In good times we will face
opposition from those who don't see the need to recognise or accept
something that is not required, While in bad times there will be the
sudden aggressive attack made against what will be mistakenly be an
uncaring God. Someone who let the hardship take place.
We are warned not
to make thoughtless plans to do some time in the future. As if we had
all the time in the world. Or that we could bide our time until we feel
it is best to do something we can't bring ourselves to do today. For
nobody know what the future may hold. Only God in His divine wisdom
knows such things. And yet, as the scripture tells us, there will be
those who will spend time searching the clouds or watches the wind turn
leaves; are the same ones who will reap nothing. They seek to know things
while wasting time doing so. Just imagine how many things we have left
unsaid what we ought to have said something. There are those who will
be blessed to see those they shared the Gospel with while they lived.
I would tell you there will be far more lamenting those who will not
be found in Heaven. Those who needed the Gospel message yet were never
given the chance to hear it.
What about those
times when someone says words that hurt. Words aimed at discrediting
Jesus and the Gospel. Words that are meant to make you feel stupid or
foolish for your faith. In 1 Peter 3:15 we are told to be prepared to
give an answer. Regardless of who is asking. Keep in mind they are attacking
Jesus not you. Their words can't hurt you when you remember that you
stand on the truth of the Gospel. Also, keep in mind that some will
use sarcasm and brash words to avoid the inner truth. They they really
need to hear the truth from you. Spoken in calm yet strong terms of
faith. For, as it explains in 2 Corinthians 5:20. We truly are ambassadors
for Christ. We represent both the Gospel and the Grace that God Himself
has shown to all.
Lastly, and for
certainly not least, We are call to “Go into all the world and preach
the gospel to all creation."
in Mark 16:15. We are not called to stand idly waiting for the right
time or place to share the Gospel. We are called to do three things
that the world needs to experience.
- Experience
the Gospel
- Live the Gospel
- Share the
Gospel
By these things
We will be able to reach those who are ready to encounter the Gospel
and the perfect Grace of God.
Prayer:
Lord, My Redeemer
Every day I pray
To study the Bible
And experience the Gospel
Every day I pray
To live what I believe
So my acts match my words
Every day I pray
To share the Gospel
So I may reach others
I pray this in your name
Jesus the true Christ
Amen