Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Share for the Gospel

Luke 3:7-14
 

Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.

What can we give to advance the Gospel? The best answer could be everything that has been given to us by God. But then we should ask ourselves another question: Does everything we give advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ or does it just boil down to charity work? Or in other words do we make clear the message of the Gospel through our share for the Gospel? The Gospel is, was, and will be forever what as apostle Paul says: Jesus Christ raised from the dead, descended from David.
That’s why these words in verse 8 are very important. We are called to “produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” The act of “producing fruit,” is connected to “who helped us to repent.” Since Jesus is the cause of our repentance, Jesus should be the “fruit,” that we produce. Yes, we can give all that we want to advance the values of the Gospel, which is love, joy, peace…etc. However, it is never a substitute to giving Jesus to others.
The act of “producing fruit,” has to encompass our personal and social life. As we “produce fruit,” in our personal life it should be reflected in our outward actions. We should live in Jesus, grow in Jesus to give Jesus. Tasting the goodness of God inspires us to give the goodness of God to others. This is echoed in the verses 10, 12, and 14: “What should we do then?” John the Baptist lays down an ethical code that is only again reflected in the sermon of the mount and in the life of Jesus Christ.
Now surely the spirit of Christ will always invoke us to strive towards this radical giving. This radical giving is our share for the Gospel. However, we can all agree that in our weakness we fall short of this standard. But can we continue to give Jesus to others amidst our imperfections? The ultimate fruit to be produced is Jesus Christ. In this share there is no difference between what a poor or a rich person has to offer for the gospel. In this share we all are united. For He is the way, the truth, and the life. No one and nothing can suffice Jesus.

 
Prayer

O Christ help me to proclaim you in my workplace, in my home and in my church. Help me not to be silent, or unashamed or walk away from an opportunity to share you to others. Build in me a habit to share the Gospel with others.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Giving our share for the gospel is not as same as sharing the Gospel.

 

Rev Abraham Kuruvilla
Cross way Mar Thoma Church, Dallas

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