TODAY IS…

a great day to feed the sheep.

“He said to them, ‘Let us go somewhere else to the towns nearby, so that I may preach there also; for that is what I came for.’”  Mark 1:38 NASB

That was no idle statement that Christ made. It was no casual comment thrown out there because He had nothing else to say. When Jesus said, “For that is what I came for,” He was unequivocally stating His purpose. He came to teach people how to obtain salvation and establish a relationship with God that would lead them to an everlasting life in His kingdom.

This was Good News for all of mankind and it was important that the Word be shared with the world.

Obviously, Christ knew that His time on earth was limited. He made excellent use of it and taught a great number of people how to put the Good News to work in their lives, but He also stressed the importance of sharing it with others. The message that Christ delivered was one of incalculable worth and He wanted those who received the message from Him to share the wealth with others.

“The gospel must first be preached to all the nations.” (Mark 13:10 NASB).

Jesus gave directions to share this Good News not just to His disciples. There was an obligation that went along with receiving it, no matter who it was. Even a man who had been demon possessed was told by Jesus to share with others. He first asked Jesus if he could travel with Him.

“And He did not let him, but He said to him, ‘Go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He had mercy on you!” (Mark 5:19 NASB).

It is difficult to imagine considering the lessons taught by Jesus Christ as being anything less than immeasurably valuable. Experiencing His healing touch and being the direct recipient of His mercy were also experiences of tremendous value.

Christ spoke often about sharing material wealth with those who are less fortunate than we are. People who were poor, children, and widows were mentioned often. Offering clothing, shelter, and food to those who did not have any was a very important issue with Jesus. Sharing the wealth on a material basis is clearly an obligation to others that we should all eagerly welcome.

But we must never forget the importance Christ placed upon sharing the wealth of the message of Christ. Surely that importance was displayed when He admonished Peter three times to, “Feed My Sheep.” (John 21:17 NIV).

This reference, of course, was to feeding them the Words of Christ.

Sharing the wealth of knowledge.

Spreading the Gospel.

“The third time He said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love Me?’ Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, ‘Do you love Me?’ He said, ‘Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed My Sheep.’” (John 21:17 NIV).

And today is a great day to do just that.

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Taken from “TODAY IS….A Gift From God”, (C) 2013 Tony Casson