Thought for the day – Tuesday 26th May 2020
Galatians 3: 26 – 28: So you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united in Christ through baptism have been made like him. There is no longer Jew or gentile, slave or free, male or female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Paul writes often of the possibility for everyone to come into a loving relationship with God; no one is beyond the Father’s love or forgiveness. when we ask forgiveness in Jesus’ name.
To Wesley this was the imperative – to “make the whole world my parish”. If everyone can be saved then everyone has the right and the need to hear of God’s forgiveness. This means that the Church – God’s people – have a duty to spread the good news of this forgiveness and salvation to everyone, whoever and wherever they are.
So this “All” is a hope, a joy and a challenge. We can rejoice in the certain hope of the Kingdom and in the joy of a renewed relationship with God. But, we must reflect that love and share the message of salvation with others. It’s summed up in the words of one hymn
“Long my imprisoned spirit lay
fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
thine eye diffused a quickening ray –
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light,
my chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed thee.”
Today pause and consider – what am I doing, perhaps through action, perhaps through earnest prayer, to share the good news of this freedom with others?
Prayer
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for taking away my sin and restoring my relationship with the Father. Show me how I can share the good news of salvation with others to bring them your freedom and your hope. And give me the courage to recognise and accept opportunities to carry your flame of freedom and love.
In your name, Lord Jesus.
Amen.