Focus

Prepare yourself to discern what is and what is not of God today. Still yourself so you can hear how God is calling you.

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Read

1 Corinthians 15:20-34    (NRSV)

But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died. For since death came through a human being, the resurrection of the dead has also come through a human being; for as all die in Adam, so all will be made alive in Christ.  But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father, after he has destroyed every ruler and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.  The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “All things are put in subjection,” it is plain that this does not include the one who put all things in subjection under him. When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to the one who put all things in subjection under him, so that God may be all in all.

Otherwise, what will those people do who receive baptism on behalf of the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized on their behalf?
And why are we putting ourselves in danger every hour? I die every day! That is as certain, brothers and sisters, as my boasting of you—a boast that I make in Christ Jesus our Lord.  If with merely human hopes I fought with wild animals at Ephesus, what would I have gained by it? If the dead are not raised,

“Let us eat and drink,
for tomorrow we die.”
Do not be deceived:
“Bad company ruins good morals.”

Come to a sober and right mind, and sin no more; for some people have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.

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Reflect

As I read this scripture, I was struck by the second half of verse 34: “For some people have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.” As I read, I was led to question whether I have done enough to share God with others. I call myself a pretty faithful church worker, busy with church activities and committees. I teach Sunday School and serve on the church session. I like to think that others see Christ in my actions, but I have to ask myself when I last shared God with someone who wasn’t already part of a faith community. How am I helping spread the word of God to those who have no knowledge of God?

When we support our missionaries, give to Our United Outreach, or invite people to visit our church we are helping bring people to God. But we also have to be open to opportunities in our daily lives to share the good news of Christ with those who don’t know God. It isn’t just about empowering someone to represent us as missionaries or paying our pastor to preach the good news; it is recognizing that God often places us in situations where we can introduce others to God. Sharing the good news is both our privilege and our responsibility.

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Pray

Forgive us, God, for failing to share your good news with everyone.
Open our eyes to those around us who need to know you. Empower us to deliver your message to those who need you. Place your people on our hearts, make us restless to share your word, until all have come to know your love.  In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Go with God!