Words of Life
Scripture Reading — Matthew 27:45-54
The tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life.
—Matthew 27:52
Nobody had listened to Elijah or Elisha or the other prophets, so God came in person to tell the world the good news. Jesus said, in effect, “Come to me, all of you who work so hard at saving yourselves, carrying such terrible burdens of fear and despair, and I will show you how to embrace a life made free with light and grace” (see Matthew 11:28-30).
But the people were threatened by Jesus. They tried to silence him by killing him on a cross. They rejected the opportunity to embrace a new reality of resurrection and full life.
Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). That message, that good news, needs to be repeated again and again and again. Every day someone is born who will need to hear it, to see it, to experience it.
There are so many ways we can share the good news of Jesus Christ’s love for us. Some of those ways will involve our mouths, some will involve our hands and feet, and many will include the use of media—print, broadcast, Internet, phone technology, and more. All of these require prayerful hearts and a willingness to let God use us and the resources he has given us.
Let’s respond to God’s call to be prophets of the good news. Let us let God start using us in all the ways we can, to be “Elishas”—faithful and true prophets of God.
“O use me, Lord, use even me, just as you will, and when, and where, until your blessed face I see, your rest, your joy, your glory share.” Amen.
About the author — Thea Leunk
Thea Nyhoff Leunk has been a high school English teacher, a director of Christian education, a pastor of discipleship, and a regional coach for the Christian Reformed Church in North America. She is currently the senior pastor at Eastern Avenue Christian Reformed Church, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Thea has also written courses for teens and young adults on world religions, Christian faith traditions, and science and the Bible. She and her husband have three adult children.
Start your day with quick daily devotions.
See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!