The Gospel Got Loose!
In Paul's writings, he said that "Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation" (II Cor. 5:18). At that very moment, something was set loose into the world that could not be confined. The Gospel got out! And it was given to us. And like the "hot potato" that it is, sometimes we don't know what to do with it.
The "ministry of reconciliation" suggests to us that under the skin, we are brothers. We are one, and Christ gave us the vision of our need, and commanded us to make it become reality.
Are there divisions? Are we doing anything to heal them? Are there people hurting? Are we carrying God's valentine of love? Are there some who are lonely, feeling left out? Are some of us being small...drawing circles that are too limited? Are we accusing others of being the problem, when we may be at fault ourselves? Is the "balm of Gilead" at work in our midst? Is the "healing" of Christ's spirit being sought? Can others tell we are Christians by our love? Are we being reconcilers in this troubled old world?
A family was getting ready for a trip, and the station wagon was packed and ready to go. They were late, and mother called out: "Johnny, wash your hands. Get your brother. Perhaps we can still make it in time!"
Here is the 3 fold call of our ministry: l "Wash your hands"...pray for forgiveness and cleansing. 2 "Get your brother". We must be reaching out to all those around us. 3 "Perhaps there is still time". The hour is late, but not too late to speak forth the message of the Gospel.
This is the task Christ has called us to perform. He died on a cross to make it so. That is how much it meant to Him. Does it mean anything to you...all ye that pass by?
The "ministry of reconciliation" suggests to us that under the skin, we are brothers. We are one, and Christ gave us the vision of our need, and commanded us to make it become reality.
Are there divisions? Are we doing anything to heal them? Are there people hurting? Are we carrying God's valentine of love? Are there some who are lonely, feeling left out? Are some of us being small...drawing circles that are too limited? Are we accusing others of being the problem, when we may be at fault ourselves? Is the "balm of Gilead" at work in our midst? Is the "healing" of Christ's spirit being sought? Can others tell we are Christians by our love? Are we being reconcilers in this troubled old world?
A family was getting ready for a trip, and the station wagon was packed and ready to go. They were late, and mother called out: "Johnny, wash your hands. Get your brother. Perhaps we can still make it in time!"
Here is the 3 fold call of our ministry: l "Wash your hands"...pray for forgiveness and cleansing. 2 "Get your brother". We must be reaching out to all those around us. 3 "Perhaps there is still time". The hour is late, but not too late to speak forth the message of the Gospel.
This is the task Christ has called us to perform. He died on a cross to make it so. That is how much it meant to Him. Does it mean anything to you...all ye that pass by?
posted by Francis Geo. Guither at 6:46 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home