ATTRACTING THE LOST

Good afternoon everyone.

 

Here is today's Bible lesson:

 

ATTRACTING THE LOST

 

READ:

2 Corinthians 5:12-21

 

I have come as a light into

the world.  -John 12:46

 

My friend Anna often has people stop her on the street and ask for directions.  This has happened to her even in countries where she is a foreigner.  She wonders if it's because she has an honest face and looks trustworthy.  I suggested that perhaps it's because she looks as if she knows where she's going.  Another friend said that maybe she attracts the lost.

 

All of those attributes should be true of God's people in the spiritual sense.  As believers, we have purpose and direction, we know where we're going, and we know how to get there.  This gives us confidence as we go about fulfilling God's call in our lives.  When this kind of confidence is evident to others, the lost will look to us for directions.

 

God has always maintained a presence on earth so that people could find Him.  His first light for the world was the nation of Israel (Isaiah 42:6).  Then Solomon prayed that God's great name would draw people to Himself (1 Kings 8:41-43).  The light of the Jewish nation culminated in Jesus, "the light of the world" (John 9:5).  And now, followers of Jesus are to be the light of the world (Matthew 5:14).  As such, it is our responsibility to show people the way to be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:18).  Julie Ackerman Link

 

You are called with a holy calling

The light of the world to be;

To lift up the lamp of the Savior

That others His light may see. -Anon.

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To lead others out of the darkness of sin,

let them see your light.

 

INSIGHT

When Paul writes "for the love of Christ compels us" (v.14), he is referring to an intentional focus.  Compel means "to compress forcibly the energies into one channel."  Today we may have dozens of worthy tasks competing for our attention, but love should be our primary focus and our motivation.

 

Have a blessed day.

God Our Creator's Love Always

Unity & Peace