God manifested Himself in a mighty way to the Israelites at Mount Sinai (Ex 19:16ff), speaking to them both directly and through Moses, and giving them the Ten Commandments. Yet within a short time, they abandoned Him to worship a golden calf (Ex 32:1ff).
Jesus spoke of the kingdom of God in parables (Mt 13:10), discourses (Mt 5:1ff), and in signs and wonders. Though Jesus gave the Israelite people God's Word, they soon abandoned and crucified Him.
Jesus has sent us out to spread the message of His kingdom. The bad news is: If people won't listen to the Father, the Son, and Moses, why will they listen to us? The good news is that God wants them to listen to us, and He backs us up. God backed up Moses by appearing publicly in power in the dense cloud so the people might "have faith in" Moses (Ex 19:9). He continues to back up with power all who proclaim His Word (Mk 16:15, 17).
Therefore, don't focus on the reception you get when you spread God's Word. Focus instead on the certain knowledge that God is with you, backing you up. "Do not be afraid. Go on speaking and do not be silenced, for [God is] with you" (Acts 18:9-10).
| PRAYER: | "The Lord is my Helper, I will not be afraid; what can man do to me?" (Heb 13:6) Lord, I will spread Your Word in faith. |
| PROMISE: | "Blest are your eyes because they see and blest are your ears because they hear." –Mt 13:16 |
| PRAISE: | Reading the papal encyclicals helps build Martin's faith as he sees how the gospel is applied to the modern world. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College