1 Samuel 29-31
Psalm 52
Romans 10
-Devotion by Sarah Johnson (MN)
For anyone who is married or in a long-term relationship, do you recall when you first started dating your significant other? Or, perhaps when you first met your best friend? You may have rearranged your schedule to spend more time with them, told your friends about their good qualities, and depending on your generation, maybe you started posting pictures or even changed your relationship status on social media to show the public you were connected to them. The relationship impacted, and even interrupted, your life and caused you to act differently in your day-to-day.
Coming off of Romans 9, it can be challenging for Christians to take seriously the responsibility of spreading the gospel. We just read that God saves who He decides, right? So what does it matter if we tell others, if it’s not really up to us at all? Well, for one thing, it’s a pretty clear expectation that Jesus commands as an act of obedience (see Matthew 28:19). But beyond that, we should desire to share the good news of our Messiah simply because we love our relationship with him! Throughout chapter 10 of Romans, Paul describes a proclamation and confession of faith that should impact our life and cause us to spread the good news – ultimately creating an opportunity for others to hear and experience salvation should they choose to confess Jesus as their Lord. Not only is it a life-changing blessing for them to hear, but often it can be a life-changing blessing for those who speak it as well!
Our confession of Jesus Christ as our Lord is not only through our mouth, or even only through baptism; it is through our daily lives and how we reflect Christ to others, especially non-believers. Our proclamation of Jesus as the Messiah must go out beyond our church walls, or it’s not really being proclaimed. You and I must be the beautiful feet spreading the greatest news, because of how head-over-heels in love with it we are.
It’s not our job to bring salvation to the world (we sure couldn’t even if we tried), but it is our job to share about the one who already has. Our faith should change every part of our life so that simply by existing, we are confessing Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
We change our lives when we meet someone we know is going to be important to us. We get excited to tell other people about them. How much more then, should we be shouting from the rooftops how wonderful our Messiah is?
Reflection Questions
- Sometimes people may hide behind perspectives such as “I’m too introverted to share Jesus with others” or “I don’t really have the gift of evangelism”. While there is a chance those things are true, we all still have our lives changed by Jesus, and as a result, have the opportunity to share him with others. What are ways you could confess Jesus outwardly in your life this week, even if it doesn’t look like what you may expect it to?
- Think back on your own personal testimony. Whose beautiful feet may have introduced you to Jesus? Have you thanked that person, or persons, recently for blessing you with that beautiful message? If not, I challenge you to do that this week!
Prayer
Dear Father, I thank You for Your goodness and love and plan of salvation through Your Son, the Chosen Messiah. Thank You for putting me in a place where I could hear and accept and now share the good news. Thank You for all the mouths and hearts and actions confessing Jesus as Lord. I want to love Jesus more and more. Help me share You and Jesus with more zeal, knowledge, boldness and compassion.
Seek Grow Love 