In church a few weeks ago, our pastor shared something I never really considered but have since understood as a revelation–all of the disciples of Christ, with only the exception of John, were killed witnessing to others about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. These men gave their lives to spread the story that changed their lives.  Not only that, they knew they were at risk when they went about sharing the love they had found and wanted to change other people’s lives.

I could stop with just that fact and let it simmer in your minds…but there is a greater point.

As believers in the love story that the original disciples shared, we too have been changed.  We too are now disciples of a Gospel that gives us the grace we need to live “exceeding, abundantly above” what we were capable of on our own.  We too now have access to the Throne of God through His Son, Jesus, our redeemer.  And like the early disciples we are heirs of the “Great Commission.”  It says:

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”   Matthew 28:18-20 (KJV)

When we said “yes” to the love story of the Gospel, we became disciples.  The role of a disciple is to live the life our Master, Jesus Christ, lived before us.  It is also to make disciples of others so that they may join in the family of our Heavenly Father.  It is our ultimate purpose.  It was so important to Jesus that it became the last instruction He left with us before He went to be with the Father.

So, I don’t know about you, but for a long time the idea of sharing the Gospel with other people was, well…scary.  What if they don’t receive me?  What if I make a fool of myself?  What if I sound too ‘preachy’ and am rejected?  What if…?
I had a boat-load of excuses NOT to witness.  Then the Holy Spirit asked me some “what ifs.”
What if you DON’T share the love of Christ with others?
What if you have what you need to live your life in the freedom of grace and ignore your brother or sister’s need for it?
What if you lose someone and know that you didn’t share with them…and not know if they ever really heard the Gospel?
…or, What if you let your fear of rejection stop you from giving the life-giving gift someone risked rejection to give to you?

One of the pastors at my church had a beautiful way of offering Jesus to others;

“Be in love (with Jesus),
Be in touch (with others),
Be authentic.”
-Pastor Jose Herrera

Simply stated instructions. Instructions we are commissioned to do as followers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.   Mark 12:30-31 (KJV)

Love Him, love each other…enough to tell them about your “first love,” Jesus.  Don’t tell them with pretense…you weren’t always saved.  Don’t tell them expecting to be rejected…you may be the only Jesus they ever see.  Don’t tell them with a Bible in one hand and a baseball bat in the other…force only manifests defense.  Tell them out of your love for them.  Tell them who you were without Jesus.  Tell them how He has changed your life.  Tell those who are close to you.  Tell those who you just meet.  Tell whoever God sends your way.

“But the Holy Spirit will come upon you and give you power. Then you will tell everyone about me in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria, and everywhere in the world.” (Contemporary English Version)

Not all will follow…but some will;  And you will know you are doing the work of the Kingdom of God as a disciple of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Let’s have a new level of spiritual blessing this year.
Until next post,

Blessings. vw1