Sunday, December 12, 2010

What Do You Hear & See?

Third Sunday of Advent

Matthew 11:2-11 (NRSV)

The forerunner of Christ

When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, "Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?" Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me."

As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written,
'See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.'

Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.


DEVOTION

One of my favorite commandments in the Bible is, "
"Go and tell...what you hear and see!"

As someone who deeply believes in the importance of sharing the good news about Jesus, this is my daily mantra.

As someone who seeks to encourage others to share the good news, this is my proof that it truly is very, very easy!

We don't need workshops and books. We don't need strategies and three step plans! All we need to do is "go and tell others, what we hear and see!"

Sharing the good news about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection is nothing more that sharing our own stories about our encounters with him!

What song did you hear in Sunday school that touched your heart? Sing it to your children and grandchildren! How did Jesus heal your body when you were sick? Share that story with your ailing neighbor down the road! How did a Christian brother or sister bless you when you were down? Pay that some blessing forward, once you're back on your feet!

Evangelism is the very act of going...sharing...telling...what we've seen and heard.

This is why ANYONE can be an evangelist. This is why EVERYONE is called to be an evangelist!

In this Advent Season, as Christians live in great expectation of Jesus' birthday and glorious return, let us harness all of the love, joy, peace, and hope of the season to share our story!

While people are in a merry mood, let us declare the mystery of our faith in large and small ways---CHRIST HAS DIED! CHRIST HAS RISEN! CHRIST SHALL COME AGAIN!


Let us pray: Oh Lord, please help me to share the good news with everyone that I meet. More than a new ipod, bracelet, or pair of jeans, people need JESUS in this season. Help be to "gift" him over and over again. In Jesus' Name, Amen.


INVITATION


If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta



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