Psalm of the Day: Psalm 120:1-7
Wisdom of the Day: Proverbs 2:1-11
Scripture Reading: Luke 10:8-16
We should notice the simplicity of the tidings which our Lord commanded some of His first messengers to proclaim. We read that they were commissioned to say, "The kingdom of God is near you." These words implied far more to a Jewish hearer at the time when they were spoken than they convey to our minds at the present day. To a well instructed Israelite, they would sound like an announcement that the times of Messiah had come.
Such an announcement suddenly made by seventy men traveling over a thickly peopled country could hardly fail to draw attention and excite inquiry. But still the message is particularly and strikingly simple. Simple plain statements, boldly and solemnly made, seem to have the most effect on hearts and consciences. Parents and teachers of the young, ministers and missionaries, Scripture-readers and district visitors would all do well to remember this. We need not be so anxious as we often are about fencing, and proving, and demonstrating, and reasoning out the doctrines of the Gospel. Not one soul in a hundred was ever brought to Christ in this fashion. We need more simple, plain, solemn, earnest, affectionate statements of simple Gospel truths. We may safely leave such statements to work and take care of themselves. They are arrows from God's own quiver, and will often pierce hearts which have not been touched by the most eloquent sermon.
Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, please help me speak of the Gospel freely and simply.
Action Plan: Research the difference between the Gospel of the Kingdom and the Gospel of Jesus Review how you share the Gospel with others. Is it simple and bold?
This devotional was taken from The Gospel of Luke by J.C. Ryle published in 1858
and adapted by Pastor Tim Lewis of New England Shores Baptist Church.
