Daily Bread 11-23-16
Romans 15:21,22
21 But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.
22 For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.
ref. - Isa 52:15 - So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider.
Ro 1:13 - Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.
Sometimes it gets entirely too comfortable. We get a few people in the Church, everyone seems to be doing well. The bills are paid and the dishes are washed, and we forget to step out into the world and rescue those who are really lost. The Apostle Paul explained to the Romans just this as he told them of his desires but also of his calling. Sure, it would have been great for him to come to the Romans and abide with them. Seeing their progress and helping them to move closer to the Lord. They even were wondering why he hadn't come. But he explained that he was to take the Gospel to those who had not heard it and to those who had not been given direction in Jesus Christ. Today this happens in every Church. It would be easy for the minister to sit in the Church and tend to the few lambs that dwell there. It would be easier for them to have his attention all of the time. but he has a job to do, just as any man called of God has. He must also take the Gospel to places and people who have never heard it and bring forth fruit of his own. His desire is also to be with the congregation, in a nice clean warm(or cool) Church but he also has a great drive to get this Gospel to those who have not experienced it. If you take, for instance, a Revival. It would be easy to have the Revival with just the same fifty people that always attend and help them along with their own issues and needs. It is something that every minister longs for, to be with his people. But what progress is being made if we are resaving, rebaptizing, and re preaching to the same fifty people every year. There has to be someone led by God to encourage us to get out and touch those who have not been touched by Christ. The Gospel of Christ has been given to us to sprinkle many nations so that his power is known even among those in the highest positions in this world. This Gospel needs to be given to those who will accept it no matter what their color, stature, or background. So, next time you are getting uptight about the attention that your minister is giving you just remember, there are thousands if not millions of people that have not even been given the opportunity to come as far as you have. So, be patient, help is on the way, and there is no place that we, as leaders, would rather be than with our own family in Christ. But the picture is so much larger than just our own and God has called people top this. If led by the Holy Ghost, they will be constrained to go to other places and other towns before ours to get this Gospel spread and add to the family that we belong to!! The same Gospel that was brought to us must be brought to all nations so let us encourage our leaders and ministers as they go out and let the Holy Ghost lead them. And also let us know that they are not neglecting the family they have been given, they are trying to add to it!!!! Have a great day!!!!