04/13/2022
The love of God should not only be upon us, but should flow from us. We are not just meant to receive the gospel of Jesus Christ, but to deliver it to both the lost, and the righteous alike. The lost will be shown the way to salvation, and the righteous warned against sinning. If we are successful in doing this then we will have delivered our own souls. Are we actively speaking of God’s love, and the redemptive power of Christ? Are we saving the wandering souls, and shouting a warning to those who are found, but are being tempted towards sin? Do we stand on the wall, and call the masses to arms, and warn the strong men of danger?
““Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me. But if you warn the righteous person not to sin, and he does not sin, he shall surely live, because he took warning, and you will have delivered your soul.””
Ezekiel 3:17, 21 ESV
Have we been made watchmen by our Lord Jesus? Do we hear the Word of God, and the gospel of Jesus, then shout it from the walls, and wield it like a sword from the battlements? If we are given this responsibility then the souls of many rest in our hands, and their blood is on our hands. If we are called to man the watch then our own soul hangs in the balance with those who sleep. If we are called to warn the righteous then their souls and ours are forever bound together. Do we believe that we are to be the watchmen? Is this our duty? Listen to Jesus…
“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them inthe name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.””
Matthew 28:18-20 ESV
Delivering the gospel, and having gospel conversations is our duty. It isn’t enough to personally receive the good news, and to simply store it away in our own hearts; we are meant to feed it like manna to the hungry, give it as living water to the thirsty, use it to welcome the lost, clothe the vulnerable in the armor of God, give it like healing medicine to sick souls, and to do all of this regardless of where the needy are being held prisoner by sin, or are facing temptation. In this way we are to be merciful as God is merciful. Did He not likewise come for us?
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’”
Matthew 25:34-36 ESV
When we come to know Jesus we are tasked to go out, and to man the walls of our faith. It isn’t enough just to say we haven’t withheld these things, or sinned ourselves… it is our duty to actively go out, and seek those in need, and to stand watch over those who have already heard, and are now within the walls of our faith.
The grace of God flows through Jesus, but there is another important question we must ask ourselves… does Jesus not only abide in us, but flow from us to all people?
“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
John 1:17 ESV
“Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’””
John 7:38 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your Son Jesus, and for calling us through Him to save the souls of all those around us, the righteous and unrighteous alike. He has sent us out to save and heal those whose souls are dying, and He directs us to stand on the walls of your city, our New Jerusalem, to warn those who rest within of impending danger. We shout out “Raise your shields! Cover yourselves!” when we see the flaming arrows of Satan are in flight, and in this way our own souls are made secure. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who sends us out to rescue the lost, and who is the Lord of the city over which we are tasked to watch. Praised be your name for every hour we walk the countryside delivering the message of Jesus, and for the nights when we stand guard over those who are at rest in your care. Merciful are you who delivers our souls, and gives us restful peace, and eternal joy in your Son. Your grace flows out to all mankind through our deliverance of the gospel of Jesus, and the ever increasing bounty of souls that the message of His life wins, returns to you upon our backs. In Jesus we find rest, and in Him our burden is made light. Send us out with the Good News, and make our salvation certain in our deliverance of his gospel. Wash us clean with His precious blood, and transform us as we perform your will. In this way we pray that you will call us friends, your children, and worry recipients of eternal life in you. In our obedience as watchmen we pray that you will deliver our souls.
“All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.””
Matthew 11:27-30 ESV
Rich Forbes