Jesus' Instrument of Love

Read Zechariah 8
 
Zechariah 8:20-23 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Many peoples and the inhabitants of many cities will yet come, 21 and the inhabitants of one city will go to another and say, ‘Let us go at once to entreat the LORD and seek the LORD Almighty. I myself am going.’ 22 And many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the LORD Almighty and to entreat him.” 23 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “In those days ten men from  all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, ‘Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.’”
 
THE present and future hope in God’s compassion continues. This particular passage reminds us God’s plan is for all the world. Not only is he restoring the Jews to know and live by his commands, God will use the Jews to bring many more to know him. God will cause those who do not know him to seek after his people and to follow them as they go to the LORD.
   This is the history of the church. We see in Acts 2 how people of many languages were in Jerusalem to hear the gospel preached. We know also from Acts how the apostles went to other countries, then to Gentiles to declare the gospel. The New Testament epistles record churches planted throughout the Arabian Peninsula, Africa and into Europe. The church’s history is well recorded from there to its present worldwide presence. More and more people of various languages and nations are hearing and believing the gospel because Christians go. God’s Word through Zechariah’s prophecy has come and is coming true.   
   On this day I urge you to consider your role in God’s plan to make him known. Will you be one who is ready to lead people to Jesus? Will you invite them to walk with you as you demonstrate God’s grace and salvation? Will you be one who is ready to be Jesus’ instrument of love in his eternal saving purpose?
  
As I write this, I’m listening to Rich Mullins’ brief, powerful song of discipleship, “Step by Step”:
 
Oh God, You are my God
And I will ever praise You
Oh God, You are my God
And I will ever praise You
I will seek You in the morning
And I will learn to
Walk in Your ways
And step by step You’ll lead me
And I will follow You all of my days
 
Perhaps this can be a song on your heart today.