Recently at the funeral of our minister, several men who were loved and mentored by our dear pastor shared innumerable praises about his life. They formally and boldly proclaimed that his service on this earth was appreciated, his friendship would be remembered, his adoration for his wife and family should be imitated, and his love for the Lord was to be commended and emulated. In their discourses or eulogies, these grieving men spoke well of our dear shepherd, lauding him as a beloved husband, father, pastor, teacher, mentor, and friend.
Such a eulogy is the highest form of praise and commendation any human life can receive, and as I tearfully remember the memorial service, the word "evangelize" comes to my mind. When we evangelize or spread the Good News about Jesus, our Savior, are we not eulogizing Jesus' earthly life and His accomplishments? I think we are. I also think we are heralding His fulfilled plan and purpose as the incarnated perfect man and holy Sovereign Lord.
Our Lord has shown and continues to show us His greatness and His grace. His deeds and works are mighty and magnificent, and He is the One and Only God who is worthy of our attention, praise, worship and service.
"Sovereign LORD, you have begun to show to your servant your greatness and your strong hand. For what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do the deeds and mighty works you do?" Deuteronomy 3:24
Our loud, simultaneous response should be, "Absolutely none!!"
"How great you are, Sovereign LORD! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears." 2 Samuel 7:22
With the new year of 2011 rapidly approaching, I think we must accept the following challenge: In 2011, let each of us intentionally choose to formally and boldly preach, teach, and proclaim Jesus. We must be prepared to share the hope we have in Jesus. Such hope includes our confident assurance He will sustain us daily, and our assured expectation that He has provided our one and only gateway to eternal life with Him in heaven.
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
"But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander." 1 Peter 3:14-16
Dear Precious Lord,
Your greatness, mercy, and majesty overwhelm me! Your mighty and completed work on the cross at Calvary reserved a place for me in your heavenly realm. Equip me in 2011 with a bolder spirit and an unprecedented eagerness to share your gracious gift with friends, family, and strangers. May I possess a passion for the lost. May I seek out the one who is fumbling and condemned to eternal torment, and may I bravely present your free gift of salvation as you have instructed. Fill my heart with a fervent desire to pray for and evangelize those who are wayward, so they might escape your holy wrath and experience the full import and impact of your love. Amen.
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