Friday, January 27, 2017
Isaiah 49:5-6 And now the LORD … says: "It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth."
BIG MESSAGE WITH BIG BLESSINGS
After Jesus completed the mission His Father gave Him to do as His Servant, the apostles broadcast the good news of forgiveness and eternal life in His name to their own people. God's plan, however, was that it be spread to many more. Jesus told the Eleven, before ascending to heaven: "You will be my witnesses ... to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). Acts goes on to show how it happened. "The word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power" (Acts 19:20). The Lord, using His disciples as instruments in His hand, worked extraordinary things from the ordinary message of a Man killed on a cross whose body was laid in a grave and who came alive again. It was a message too big and wonderful to be broadcast to a single nation.
He continues to work extraordinary things through the Gospel proclaimed by His disciples today. Then, let us watch for opportunities He gives us for telling others what great things He has done for us. Let us ask Him to bless the mission efforts we’re doing in the communities where we live. Let us support with prayers and offerings the kingdom work we are carrying on as a synod in places like Atlanta, Detroit, Mapleton ND, Appleton WI, Tacoma WA, British Columbia, and in our overseas mission fields in Africa, India, Nepal, and Myanmar. The message of Christ crucified and risen for the salvation of sinners is too big and wonderful to be shared with only a few.
Knowing Thee and Thy salvation, Grateful love dare never cease
To proclaim Thy tender mercies, Gracious Lord, Thy heav'nly peace.
Sound we forth the Gospel tidings To the earth's remotest bound
That the sinner has been pardoned And forgiveness can be found.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 498:4)
