March 12

The Desire Begins with Him

I will search for the lost and bring back the strays (Ezekiel 34:16).

Scripture: Ezekiel 34:11-16

Song: “Eternal Father, Strong to Save”

Dr. Tennent closed his message saying, “This small man walked up the mountain into these remote villages of India carrying upon his back a large crate containing Coke.”

Coke had reached the villages before Christian heralds. The missionary continued, “If Coke is working that hard, how much harder should we work for the gospel of Christ!”

This fascinating story inspires us all to work diligently to spread the only news that can satisfy our spiritual thirst. But we must not forget where our real and powerful inspiration begins. The desire to reach the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ begins with the heart of God.

He has been working to spread His love and salvation to all people through all time and He will not stop until the end of time.

It is from His desire that we were satisfied with His living waters and it is His desire that will energize us, equip us, and lead us to spread His news for His glory’s sake. As we respond in faith and obedience He will work through us to bring people from all nations into His fold.

Sovereign Lord, thank You for loving us with a love deep enough to search for us and bring us to yourself. Please give me Your love for the nations, give my hands the skills they need, and open those doors only You can open to share the only news that can satisfy. In Jesus’ name, amen.