“Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he went, always pressing on toward Jerusalem.” (vs. 22) "went through” . . . “teaching as He went” . . . “always pressing on” . . .
Jesus had his GPS set for Jerusalem . . . to do the work the Father sent Him to do . . . to pay for our sin by death on the cross. He didn’t take the back roads to Jerusalem to avoid people in order to stay focused on the end goal. No, he went “through” the towns and villages . . . down Boeckner Avenue . . . down the aisles of Super Saver . . . teaching (and healing) as he went. Jesus touched as many lives as came to him, even with His own death on the horizon.
At one time (and still can be at times), it was really easy for me to take the back roads . . . avoid people. But then Jesus and the Holy Spirit entered my life and everything changed. I went from being a true introvert to an extroverted introvert!
“What is the kingdom of God like? . . . It’s like yeast. . . A small amount of yeast will permeate every part of the dough.” (vs. 18-21)
Have you ever softened yeast in a too small bowl? If so, you found that the bowl could not contain the yeast once it became active. It bubbled right over the rim of the bowl!
The kingdom of God . . . like yeast . . . am I trying to keep it contained or am I allowing the kingdom of God to spill out from inside of me? Am I yeast in my sphere of influence . . . my neighbors . . . at the grocery store . . . my family . . . at Lincoln City Church . . . wherever I am? If not, why not?
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I’ve known Brandy for 4 years and 8months, during which time I’ve walked through every open door to share about Jesus. And tonight was no exception. As I was driving her home tonight, the conversation went like this . . .
B: Has anyone in your family died.
A: Yes, my mother died 34 years ago and my father died 27 years ago. I’ve been without a mom and dad for a very long time. (Brandy, age 18, has been without parents for over 10 years.) But, I’ve had Ken’s mom and dad just like you have Rachel to be your mom. And I know that when I die and go to Heaven, I will get to see my mom and dad.
B: How do you know they will be there?
A: When we die, we either go to heaven or hell. Anyone who prays and asks Jesus to live in their heart will go to heaven when they die.
B: I don’t want to go to hell.
A: You don’t have to. When you went to church before, did you learn about Jesus . . . that He died on the cross and that He didn’t stay dead … He came back to life?
B: Yes
A: Well, if you believe that Jesus is God’s son and that He died on the cross and came back to life and pray and ask Him to be your Lord and Savior, you will go to heaven when you die.
B: Silence.
A: I almost left it at that but decided to press on . . . Brandy, do you want to pray and ask Jesus into your heart.
B: Yes
A: Ok, I will pray and you pray what I say . . . and we prayed the prayer of salvation! PTL!!! I told her that the angels in heaven were dancing with joy because of her asking Jesus to live in her heart!
Please pray for Brandy as God puts her on your heart.
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