Show and Tell

While the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and laying His hands on each one of them, He was healing them. Luke 4:40 (New American Standard Bible)

It had been a long day for Jesus. He preached in the synagogue, cast a demon out of a man, and healed Simon’s mother-in-law of a high fever. Now as evening approached people were making their way to the house where Jesus was at for what appears to be a late night or all night healing service. Since it was the Sabbath, the law forbade people from traveling great distances until after sunset. As word spread, Jesus’ popularity grew and the demands on His time and for His powers grew as well. In an age of no radio, television, computers, etc…. news of Jesus was spread via word of mouth. But people didn’t just talk about what Jesus was doing. They put feet to their words and brought others to Jesus for healing.

I see a pattern for personal evangelism here. Even in this age of mass communication God still intends for word of Him to spread via word of mouth. While some come to know Him via a religious program on television or radio many are still finding Christ because an individual took the time to verbally tell them about Him. Many times it is not just one individual that does the telling, it is many! As we share Christ we must realize we are somewhere in the long line of others who are sharing Him as well. It is imperative that we see the value of this sharing even if we don’t always see the end result.

I am convinced it is the Spirit of God who does much of the work in bringing a person to Christ and He uses many means to do it. Before that person ever comes to know the Lord there is much heart preparation that takes place. Each person has particular needs in their life that God will use to draw them to Himself. Along with that He will use the words and actions of His children as seeds in their life that need time to grow.

If God has you involved in the lives of people who don’t yet know Him personally, you are an instrument He plans to use. Each of us must realize that our life speaks volumes long before the words leave our mouth. We must not underestimate the effect our lives (when touched and empowered by God) have on the people around us.

Father, help me to live in such a way that my actions add credibility to what I tell others about You. I trust You for the harvest! Amen.