WEEK 21, Day 7, Sunday, 24 May 2020

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Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Sunday, 24 May 20:

Note: Here is a short video overview of the books of Kings — https://youtu.be/bVFW3wbi9pk

Psalm 63:3 — “Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.”

Do you treasure the love of God more than life itself? Ironically, Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life (John 14:6),” and “this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” (John 17:3) John reiterates, “God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” (1 John 5:11) The love of God is life, and Jesus’ prayer for us is that we would be “one” with Him in this life and into eternity. (John 17) When God’s love is more important to us than life itself, we have then attained true life and the fullness of joy.

Therefore, God’s greatest commandment for us is to love Him wholeheartedly. (Matthew 22:36-38) The next greatest commandment is to love others as ourselves, and our “Great Commission” is to tell others about Jesus because of our love of both God and them (Matthew 28:18-20). Sharing Jesus with others should come naturally. What we love most is what we are excited to tell others about the most, and when we love others, we are compelled to want the very best for them – the Way, the Truth, and the Life! Psalm 63:3 naturally links the Great Commandment with the Great Commission – “Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.” The person who has truly experienced the love of God through Christ can’t help but “proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” (Mark 16:15)

“Your steadfast love is better than life.” Today during COVID 19, people across the globe are taking great precautions to guard their lives, and it is hard to have a conversation with someone without COVID 19 coming up, though one hardly need to say anything since our behavior (social distancing) and our apparel (masks) leave no doubt about what is preeminent in most people’s minds. What if we guarded our hearts and our relationship with Jesus as much as we guarded our lives? How might our words and behavior change? And what if everyone’s relationship with Jesus was as important to us as their physical health? What if we were as serious about sharing Christ with others as we have been about preventing the spread of COVID 19? How many people have you shared Jesus Christ with during the COVID 19 crisis? During this historic time, have you proclaimed His Name? If you have found it difficult to share the Gospel with others, if it feels awkward or unnatural, draw closer to Jesus and abide more fully in His love. When Jesus is your true passion, you won’t have a problem talking about Him with others.

“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 24 May 20: Share your love for God with others today and proclaim His love for them by sharing the Gospel.