Imagine you were one of the women followers of Jesus during his three-year ministry on earth. What would it be like as you heard his teachings, walked by his side, and watched his ministry?
Dear sister,
We, followers of Christ, have had the luxury of devoting the past year of our lives to be students of the Master. Recently, he challenged us to step out of this “comfortable” place and share what we have learned with others. Again, he was speaking in parables to teach us. I must admit that hearing lessons in this way gives me a visual picture that makes it easier to remember the principles. He compared us to a lamp on a stand. “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand? For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open.” Dear sister, we are to be that lamp, shining the message of Christ to all those around us.
Jesus used several parables related to seeds. In the last letter I mentioned his story related to the importance of where the seed is spread; on an open path, on rocky ground, among thorns, or on good soil. In another parable, he compares the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed. Though it is the smallest of all the seeds, it grows to be a large tree. Not only that, this tree becomes a resting place for the birds. I am realizing that though I am a poor village woman, Jesus is giving me the calling of sharing his message with others, so they can enter the Kingdom of God.
The newest parables spoke of how the Son of Man will sow good seed. Some seeds will grow to be healthy plants. However, the devil will plant weeds among us. The Lord says that one day will be the end of the age and the angels will come and harvest the plants. They will pull out the weeds. These represent all who cause sin and who do evil. The angels will “throw them into a fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. The righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” Sister, I cannot stop thinking about this. We really need to let our light shine bright, so people will be delivered from the fiery furnace and ushered into the beautiful Kingdom of God. Perhaps those around us do not want to hear about a fiery furnace. Let us shine bright the testimony of God’s loving kindness so men and women will be drawn to walk with God.
Our Master likened the Kingdom of heaven to treasure or a pearl of the greatest value. When they were discovered, the people sold everything they owned so they could purchase these treasures. The cost of following God is great, but the reward is greater. He wants full commitment from us. The result of not following God is devastating. Sister, please join me in being a lamp which shines the good news of the Messiah to all those around us.
Burning bright for Jesus,
your Big Sister
Today’s Bible Reading: Matthew 13:24-52; Mark 4:21-34; Luke 8:16-18
Today’s Application:
The gospel is a very serious matter. Do not hold back from sharing the gospel to others. The consequence for those who do not follow Christ is dreadful. Remember, it is the devil who plants weeds all around which blind people from the Truth. Share the Good News of Christ to those who are in your life. Though you are just one person, you can become like a full grown mustard tree giving rest to many as you share the encouraging news of the gospel and the teachings from the Bible.
Opmerkingen