And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Mark 16:15 (ESV)
Do you feel that God loves a certain class of people versus another class? Do you feel some are worthy to hear God’s messages and to be saved, and others are not? If so, you are exhibiting the same behavior and attitude Jonah had in the Bible.
Last week we discussed using our gifts and talents to spread God’s messages throughout the world. This week we’re focusing on our willingness to spread God’s word to all people, not just the ones who look and act like we do. In various polarize societies around the world, racism, sexism, religious bigotry, etc will cause some to forget that every person on this planet was created by God. God chose their genders (male and female), He chose their different colors, shapes/sizes, the part of the world where they would be born, etc. When we look around at everything God created (animals, plants, oceans/rivers, the weather, etc.) it is not hard to see that the Creator of the Universe loves diversity. And when one reads God’s word, they understand and know He loves everyone and wants His messages shared with all.
In the book of Jonah Chapter 4, God takes time to show and explain to Jonah that he has no right to pick and choose who he feels is worthy to receive God’s love and forgiveness. We are not to judge others by their current lifestyle or their past and decide who is worthy of God’s love. ALL of us are God’s children and ALL of us are loved and precious to Him. One can understand from God’s teaching to Jonah, that He wants His message of love and forgiveness to be spread throughout the world.
So, the encouragement for us this week is to spread God’s message of hope, faith, love, forgiveness, and peace, to all we meet regardless of what we may think about them and their circumstances. As we go forth, let us remember the final departing words of Jesus as stated in Matt. 28:19-20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Blessings,
Angélique
To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com