Friday, April 3rd, 2009
Title: B-E-A-Utiful
Text: Romans 10:14-15 (NIV)
14How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
I guess, due mainly due the fact that I am an extremely hard-headed man, that when it comes to getting the message of God out to this world that I have just got to become more hands on. You know, it is a very humanist and worldly way of thinking when we say things like, “Well, we’ve planned a good event. They should just show up. It’s not my fault that they aren’t Christians. Our church is great and if they would just show up they’d see.” I even had a problem with the little tag line that the United Methodist Church used a few years back. “Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors.” As a whole I think the notion was a great one. We should have open hearts and open minds when dealing with a hurting and lost world. And I even understand where they were coming from with the “Open Doors” portion of that phrase. But, as I spent more time with people and they would throw that statement around, I couldn’t help but get the feeling that they looked at it from a, “Well, our doors are open. We’re in here waiting on you. Just come on in.” state of mind. And that saddens me. But as I have pondered that phrase over and over again, I can’t help but think that most of us Christians have thought that very same thing. We have worked to make everything nice and welcoming inside the walls of our safe comfort zone. But very few of us have truly embraced the fact that if we are authentic Christ-Followers, we have been called to “Go!” And by “Go” I mean go everywhere.
In Matthew 28:16-20 we find the “Great Commission”. It is the challenge and marching orders from Jesus to all of us to hit the streets and get the word out. It tells us to go to every part of this big rock we call home and on those travels, do all we can to reach, teach, serve, and show all people about God’s amazing love and grace. And through that interaction and the relationships we build, help those souls who are wandering in the darkness, lost and seeking safety, shelter and the love of their creator, find their way home, and into the warmth and comfort of God.
We get so wrapped up in thinking that we have done all we can do, or should do to help the lost. Sure, we may collect some cans for the homeless, take a mission trip and rebuild some homes, or sponsor some children through an organization like World Vision or Compassion International. And I am not saying that those are great things that impact lives and souls. But when was the last time we seized the opportunity to take God to this world? When was the last we grabbed theses chances by the collar and enabled the Holy Spirit to speak through us? When was the last time we prayed with a stranger or sincerely shared with someone that God loves them? If we are not doing those things, then we have become a church who has not bought into the call that Jesus has places on our lives and we are not serving the way we are called to serve or being the church we are called to be.
We can no longer sit back and ask ourselves why people are choosing the world instead of God. These people can’t be expected to come to God, embrace the presence of God’s love and receive salvation if they have never heard or more importantly witnessed the life-changing, unconditional love of their creator. They can’t be expected to understand that there is a way out of the darkness and the life of doom they are in unless we first understand that it is our job and calling to take the news to them. How can one love something if they have no clue there is something to love.
My friends, this world will do all in its power to stop you from taking the Good News of Jesus Christ to the people who need to hear it. This world will throw every roadblock at you and make you feel that you aren’t worthy enough, that you are smart enough or Christian enough to do the work God has called us to do. But the world is wrong. You are exactly what God needs, desires and counts on to be the presenter of the greatest message one could ever hear.
So, what are we waiting for? Let’s get up, let’s get out and let’s hit the road. We have a lot of ground to cover. Ready or not world, here we come.
Something to Think About:
- In what ways have you taken the word of God’s love and the message of Jesus Christ to this world?
- Read Matthew 28:16-20
- What does Matthew 28:16-20 say to you? How can you make this commission a part of your life?
- Make of list of people that you know you can share the message of God’s love with?
- What is stopping you from doing so?
A Few Minutes with God:
God, help me to move beyond my comfort zone and outside the walls of my church to take your amazing and life-changing message to a world that needs to hear it. Help me to share and show your love with all people. Help me to be a messenger for you to a world in need. Thank you for your call on my life. Thank you for counting on me to share this wonderful message with a hurting word. Please reveal to me all who need to hear and I pray I will make a difference for you in this world. Amen.
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