End of the Week Thoughts

Jesus said in John 9:4, "I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work."

The news from this week has been focused upon the cyclone tragedy in Burma. One of the latest reports puts the death toll around 500,000 people. Make sure that number sinks into your mind. Just a few years ago Hurricane Katrina hit and killed 1,836, the Tsunami in Indonesia claimed 225,000, and 9/11 brought with it the loss of 2,974 people. In a moments notice thousands of people were swept into eternity.

As I thought about these staggering statistics I have to ask "How many of these people knew Jesus as their Lord and Savior?" I don't share these questions and numbers with you to depress you. I want them to motivate you because none of us know when the "night" will come.

Geoff Hammond, president of the North American Mission Board, was speaking recently at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary about the need for urgency in evangelism. Speaking from John 9:4 he called the students to action in regards to how we go about sharing our faith. Hammond said, "If we...were as concerned about doing the will of the Father as we were about fellowship, we would be a lot more effective at evangelizing Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth." OUCH!

I have to wonder how many of the people who died in Burma, Katrina, the Tsunami, and on 9/11 came into contact with a believer just before they died. How many of them were approached with the gospel? Another staggering statistic came from Dr. Hammond when he said, "Three-fouths of the people who die in the United States, die without a saving knowledge of God. Be sure, wherever you are, to share the love of Jesus Christ."

I bring all of this up to prepare you for the weekend. Many of you will be around family, heading out to eat, off for mini-vacations, or out to the ballpark. Who will you come in contact with? Who will hear about your faith in Jesus Christ? I know that we have heard many different theories about how to share. There are countless books that talk about timing, building relationships, and being sensitive. Those are all great approaches if you know when the "night" is coming. Believer - you are not afforded that luxury.

Take some time today to pray about whom God will put in your path. Pray that He will give you the courage to be urgent with your faith. We never know when God's divine appointments will meet us in the mall, at the grocery store, or during the family gatherings. Be willing to join God "On Mission" to reach the world for Christ.