Share The Message Of Ultimate Hope

God gave Ian a choice to either return or stay. Says Ian, ‘Looking back towards the tunnel again I now could see a vision of all my family, and thousands and thousands of other people. I asked God who all these people were, and He told me that if I didn’t return then many of these people would not get a chance to hear about Him. I told God that I didn’t know most of them and I didn’t love them. He replied, ‘But I love those people and want them all to come to know Me.’

Read Acts 4:1-13.

Peter and John were two of Jesus’ first disciples. They shared the Message with people. Many believed (v4), but some freaked out (v3) and in this case even arrested them. The authorities interrogated them, but the disciples took the opportunity to share the Message with complete clarity. They declared that Jesus, though previously crucified, is now alive and well, large and in charge, ruling over the universe (v10). They explained that Jesus was the only foundation upon which to build our lives (v11). They clarified that He was the only means by which God was ready to save people (v12). Where did they get their courage? From three places: the authority they had from ministering in Jesus’ name (v7,10), the Spirit’s power (v8), and the company they had kept with Jesus (v13).

We have the same Message to share, and are given the same power to do so. It doesn’t matter how inadequate we feel (v13). We should be ready to share our faith with people. Like Ian, we should start with our family and friends – those closest to us. And then with anyone else as God gives us opportunity. Ian, a very ordinary person, has got to share his story with 10’s of millions of people; surely God has some people he wants you to share yours with. You might not love these people, but remember that Jesus loves them, and let that thought help you to begin to love them too – enough to share the Message of Ultimate Hope.