September 12th
SEPTEMBER 12th
One more thing about this passage…
Luke 17:11-19 On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”
Notice the first 3 words…”On the way…”
You see it throughout all of the gospels. Jesus was always touching people when He was “on the way” to somewhere. Let this be an example to us.
This is how our lives are designed. It is not about waiting to minister to others when we get “there.” It is really about “on the way.”
It is time that we realize that we have an impact on this world every single day. Others’ lives are changed by our very presence whether we know it or not. Just the fact that we are alive and are doing normal things, like shopping etc, we are impacting others. When we occupy space it prevents others from occupying that space, which alters their life. It means they occupy a space that is not occupied by others and this may result in various different outcomes in their lives (and ours.) Anyway, since we know this is true now, we need to realize that our life is really not about “there,” it is really about the “on the way.”
It is the regular activities of life that we do everyday that are opportunities to be the light of Jesus to others. It may not even involve speaking the name of Jesus. You never know when your smile will drastically alter someone’s future. The light in our eyes when we thank the cashier may be enough to give them hope. It may be enough to make someone start looking for answers and a different life. Our interaction with them may be enough to make them want more. Of course when we do have the opportunity to speak the name of Jesus to others and give them hope, that is optimal but even when it doesn’t come to that, we are having an impact. So we need to be aware of our facial expressions, our words and our actions, because we ARE the hands and feet of Jesus to others whether we realize it or not.
This goes for our life activities, but also for our maturity. We don’t have to wait until we know the whole Bible forward and backwards before we reach out to others. We know that the Jesus and the Bible are the answers, that is enough. That is what people need to know. That is what they are desperate to know.
Matthew 5:14-16 You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…
Lord, thank you for demonstrating for me, how I should live. Forgive me for being so busy that I neglect to be the light in my normal routine. Help me to remember that I am Your light every day and everywhere. Forgive me for thinking that I have to arrive at some level or place before I can be the light. Help me to shine for you Lord.