Jesus taught
His disciples and then, as recorded in Luke 9, He sent them out to drive out
demons and cure diseases. After that He patiently continued to teach them about
the kingdom of God, fed 5,000 men and provided examples of His healing touch.
In Luke 10:1-24, Jesus sends out seventy-two of His followers. Just like those
people and as Paul taught Timothy, we need to be ready to share the gospel, the
good news of what God is doing in our lives, patiently with others. Why with
patience? Well—for one thing…A gentle
answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1. If you really want to tell others about
Jesus, it is more likely that someone will be willing to listen if you speak to
them gently and patiently answer their questions.
The
instruction that Paul was giving Timothy in the passage above was good—be
ready. Are you ready to “preach” the word? Not everyone is gifted to be a
preacher, but we all have a story to tell. So be ready to share your own story
with others. Paul goes on to tell Timothy that people will want to hear what
“tickles their ears” –fantasies. But God is telling Timothy and us that we need
keep our heads and teach the truth. If you don’t know God’s word well—spend
more time reading it. Is it more important to you to know God’s word than to
follow the latest story on some television show? Where are your priorities? God
has patience with you as you align yourself to His will—but although it may
seem some days are slow, years go by quickly. Be ready.
Training Tip – Have patience with your children—but teach them to
be ready. Set a goal for memorizing scripture with them. Have patience with
yourself—they may learn the verses even faster than you do—but you will have to
work with them consistently to teach them God’s word. Where do you start, you
may wonder? Here’s a list of verses that you will want them to know to be ready
to share God’s word and their own story with others:
John 3:16 - For God so loved the
world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall
not perish, but have eternal life.
Romans 3:23 -… for all have sinned
and fall short of the glory of God….
Romans 5:8 - But God demonstrates
His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
John 1:12 - But as many as received
Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who
believe in His name….
It is such a privilege
to be a child of the King—children should like that concept. We are adopted
into God’s family. To be part of a royal family—princesses and princes—is a
real life changing story to share with others. They can be part of God’s
family, too.
Lord God, once again we ask for Your patience in our
lives and for us to see opportunities to share You with others that they would
come to know You, Jesus, as their savior. Guide and protect us today as we seek
and serve You.
All
scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise
noted.
© 2013 by Mickey
M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
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