Daily Devotions
The Gospel Is for All
Title: The Gospel Is for All
Reading for May 29: Job 5-8
Weekly reading for May 27-June 2: Acts 20-24
"When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance and saw him saying to me, 'Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.' And I said, 'Lord, they themselves know that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you... And he said to me, 'Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.'"
Acts 22:17-19, 21
We all should have our short list of lost souls we keep in our constant prayers: family members, close friends, etc.. It makes sense that we should start with them when we become Christians because they are the ones who know us the best. We have more influence with them.
But at some point we need to expand our list. We need to pray for people who don't know us as well or people we think may not be as interested in the gospel. It may be that those closest to us are not as likely to listen to us, and it could be that by focusing so much on our short list that we neglect those who are genuinely interested.
Paul wanted to stay in Jerusalem and preach to his people. The Lord had other plans. I don't think the Lord ever wants us to completely give up on our family and close friends, but after we've done all we can do to save them, we must eventually move on. It could be that the ones who may seem to be the least likely to receive the gospel, are the very ones God has positioned in our lives for us to reach.
Father, open doors of opportunity for your word. Open our eyes to see those who are searching for you.
