Saturday, May 24, 2008

Spread the Word!

Today’s Reading: John 12:17-19(NIV)

17 Now the crowd that was with [Jesus] when He called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the Word. Many people, because they had heard that He had given this miraculous sign, went out to meet Him. 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after Him!”

Good morning!

Every day, I take a tour of the world and national news online. In this day of advanced technology, we find instantaneous accessibility to breaking news virtually at our fingertips. We can flip on the television set and hear what is happening being broadcast all over the world. A few short keystrokes, and I am transported half to places I have never been. Spreading the Word has taken on a whole new meaning for humanity today.

I’m concerned for the people of Myanmar, who desperately need humanitarian assistance for survival. I grieve with the people of China. The death toll continues to rise following the devastating earthquake that claimed thousands; people continue to search for family members and friends. I cannot wrap my mind around the tragedies that continue to occur around the world today. Here in the United States, I’ve mourned the losses of singer/songwriter Dottie Rambo and five-year-old Maria Chapman. Their families have nourished my spiritual growth for years by their beautiful songs of prayer and praise. We hold a deep compassion for each other, understanding what it feels like to grieve the loss of the ones we love.

In my hometown of St. Louis, Missouri, firefighters successfully rescued a mother and her children from a burning home this week. We rejoice that this family was saved from the fire. It takes great courage to enter into a burning building to save the life of another. There are a lot of courageous people in our world who place themselves in harms way every day just to save the life of another human being. Isn’t it amazing how quickly the Word is spread?

The people had heard about the healer from Nazareth, and Lazarus, who had been raised from the dead. They wanted to see the one who received new life, and the Lord who gives new life to all who choose to receive and believe. Folks were coming from everywhere just to meet and greet the Master, to hear Him speak, and see His holy face. There were no computers, newspapers, or satellite dishes to carry the Good News of the Gospel; yet people were hearing the story, leaving their homes and seeking out the Savior. Good news travels fast! Today, we can spread the Word of a Savior who knows our pain, shares our griefs, and carries our sorrows. He took stripes for our healing, bruises for our sin, and by His perfect sacrifice of love, we can receive new life in Him. This is the message of hope that we need to share, especially in times of great turmoil and grief. Jesus Christ is alive and He longs to save you today! Spread the Word!

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

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© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

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