December 26, 2012
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 10:40-42
OBSERVATIONS
It seems that the people who welcome Jesus missionaries (worthy persons) and treat them as righteous prophets will be rewarded.
It is not just the act of kindness that Jesus is referring to, but their response to their message.
Like the people of Nineveh who welcomed Jonah and his message, repented, they were rewarded.
Jesus message is good news, He is the key to life and happiness, whoever accepts the message and the messengers, is accepting Jesus, even if they do not see or hear Jesus themselves.
What do you notice in this passage?
APPLICATION
How do I respond to the message?
Having heard it do much, has it lost it’s impact on me?
The message of Jesus is the God news message of hope and life and blessing and happiness, not just for me but for the whole world.
It is the message of the kingdom of God, made possible by Jesus victory over sin, death and hell, available to all, and experienced by all who believe and receive it.
The reward comes not from hearing it, but from receiving or believing it, and acting on it.
Like the messenger that comes telling people to prepare because a big storm is coming… the ones that are blessed are the ones who believe it and act on it, ie prepare for it.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
God, thank You for the messengers in my life, who have communicated the good news to me.