A Challenge from Pumpkins

Pumpkins are a popular item right now. My neighbor girl and her friend were recently advertising their sale of pumpkins in her front yard. I walked over and asked about their prices. The pumpkins looked great, their sign was good, and their prices were reasonable. When a car drove by, the girls waved and each held up a small pumpkin. They talked about selling other things as well, perhaps crafts and caramel apples.

As I watched for a time, I realized that they would not have many customers. Why? Our road is not busy. It is not uncommon to walk a mile or two and meet no traffic, depending on the time of day. How would anyone know about what the girls were selling? Why would someone who didn’t know about their sale, but wanted pumpkins, go down our road? It is possible, but not likely.

Do I do the same thing? As believers we are called to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is Good News for the world. The message is wonderful and glorious. Though we are sinful, selfish people who are far from God, He draws us in through His Son, Jesus. We deserve to be separated from God, but Jesus came to earth to die on the cross as the payment for our sin! On the third day He rose again from the dead! He lives! Now we can have new life!

This is glorious, good news! Although Matthew 28 makes Christ’s command to “go” and share this clear, as believers we seem rather comfortable staying. We hope to tell people of a wonderful gift that God Himself has already paid for, we even put up a sign to tell people. Is our “road” busy with people who need to hear this message?

“13 For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’

14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?[c] And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’” (Romans 10:13-15 ESV)

As believers we are to be sharing the good news. Have we shared it recently? If not, it is time to go where the people are. Matthew 28:18-20 makes it clear that we are to go and that Jesus is with us.

Dear Lord,

We are so grateful for your mercy and love. Please help us to share your glorious good news with those around us and those you send us to. Give us the humility, love, grace and courage to do so. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

How are you reaching others with the message of hope?

What holds you back? How will you overcome this?