DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Wanting to be God's Follower
by David Thompson
Today's passage is pretty straight forward: 1. He is sending out all that are Christians to other lands to proclaim Jesus; 2. the non-believers will be slain; and 3. the believers will be taken care of.

Let's look at some scripture that repeats these three same themes. First, we, as Christians, are being sent out into the world (even if your world is your work, your family and/or your Euchre card playing group). In John 4:35 it reads, "Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest." The meaning of which tells us that the Holy Spirit is working in the lives of all people, and we need to be ready to give an answer of the hope that lives inside of us.
Second, Revelations 20:12 (ESV) states that, "And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done." Galatians 2:16 states that unbelievers "will be condemned." No amount of good works and the keeping of the laws can be sufficient to atone for sin. All their thoughts, words and actions will be judged. It doesn't sound like fun. And I know for me this passage and supporting scriptures make me want to do better at speaking of Jesus Christ.
Finally, the believers will be taken care of. Verse 18 of today's scripture states, "And I, because of what they have planned and done, am about to come and gather the people of all nations and languages, and they will come and see my glory." Further rewards can be seen in 1 Cor. 9:25-27; 1 Thessalonians 2:19; 2 Timothy 4:8; James 1:12; Revelations 2:10; and 1 Peter 5:4.
Can you imagine if we all looked at any person or group of persons as a field that is ripe for harvest? We would be very busy telling others about our faith and about the hope that lives inside of us. I know what I want to be doing more intentionally. How about you?
PRAYER
Dear God, thank you for your patience with us as we live our lives in you. Help us to be on the lookout for those that do not know you and will be found lacking if someone doesn't intervene. Help each of us to realize that you are sending us all out into the world with your Word and with the hope that is within us. Amen.

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