BY REVEREND BOB GILBERG
The Olive Branch Community Church of Firebaugh
“Can God create a rock so heavy that He is unable to lift it?” This was a question my son asked me when he was coming into adulthood. “You’re asking the wrong question,” I told him, “For God would never do anything to contradict Himself.”
I learned early in life that I do not need to have all the answers to be successful. Then what is important? Asking the right questions.
If you ask the right questions, you will find the right answers. Jesus tells us, “ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you,” Matthew 7:7. What will be opened? The truth of God in Jesus Christ.
In Luke 17, Jesus is walking between Samaria, the Central Valley of Israel, towards Galilee in the north, which is more like Napa Valley. As He approached a village, Jesus was met by ten lepers who cried out to Him for mercy.
They called Jesus “Master” but not “Lord,” which means “one who is supreme in authority.” In our Christian faith, it means the “One who is God.” They recognized Jesus as a teacher, as one who could command evil spirits, but they did not acknowledge Him as Lord, and in doing so, they denied the truth about Jesus.
When have you denied the truth about Jesus? Think about it. For we are quick to call upon His name in times of trial and discomfort, yet we are slow to give Him the glory when He answers our prayers.
If we are going to turn to Jesus for comfort and accept His forgiveness, then we must also respond to and accept His calling for our lives. For we are not saved for the sake of being saved, we are saved for a purpose.
What is our purpose? To faithfully witness Jesus Christ. In his second letter to Timothy, Paul instructs Timothy in these ways: First, remember Jesus Christ. Second, remind the church of His promises. And third, charge them to witness diligently the truth of Jesus Christ in the world.
Paul instructs us to remember Jesus Christ. There are two parts to this instruction: First, to recall what we have learned about Jesus. This is an intentional act that we do every time we open our Bibles, asking questions of the Lord, seeking His truth, through which we come to know the blessings of God.
Second, to remember, which means to “call to mind” as well as to “make mention of.” We are not to remember in silence. We are not to recall in isolation. This is an outward expression of faith. This is how we are to speak to our friends in our comings and goings. Be intentional to remind others of his goodness.
This is how we are to speak to our family when we are gathered around the table. Every time my children share something good in their lives, every time they are victorious in their endeavors, I always respond by praising God.
If you are shy to share the Gospel with others, then give a reason for the hope that is within you. Share with others the good you have come to know because of your relationship with God. Simply mention His name in your day-to-day conversations.
Declare His grace and mercy boldly over others as you see God working for good in their lives. Better yet, lead them in thanksgiving, praise and glory to God as they share their blessings and victories with you. This is something we do intentionally. This is something we are to do outwardly.
The promise of Jesus Christ is simple: “If you have died with Him, you will live with Him; if you endure, you will reign alongside Him for all eternity,” 2 Timothy 2:11-12.
Ten men cried out to Jesus, believing He was a master over demonic spirits, but failing to believe He was God. Out of ten, only one came to this confession. He was a Gentile. The other nine were Jewish.
Jesus came to His own, but they did not receive Him as their Messiah, as their Lord and Savior. Will you?
On that day, ten men were cured of their afflictions, yet only one of them was delivered from sin and death.
What is your confession? Are you willing to give a reason for the hope that is within you? Do these things, and you will know the blessings of God in your life and in the lives of your family. To God be the glory!
