20 Feb March 11th Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S SECOND LETTER TO THE  CHURCH AT THESSALONICA

PRAY FOR THE SPREAD OF THE GOSPEL

2 Thessalonians 3:1 “As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you.”

Faith is often described as personal.  You cannot believe for me and I cannot believe for you.  Indeed, this is a true statement.  Nevertheless, Jesus said to His Disciples, “You shall be my witnesses in Judea, Samaria and to the utmost parts of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

These words in Acts 1:8 were the very last from Him prior to His ascension into heaven.  He was no longer going to walk the earth as He had been doing for the past three plus years telling people of God’s plan of salvation.  He entrusted that responsibility to His Disciples and to all of His followers. This means He has also entrusted this responsibility to you.

You may feel inadequate when it comes to spreading the Gospel.  You may be concerned about saying the right words, speaking them in a winsome way or whatever you feel are your inadequacies.  Looking closely at today’s devotional verse, it says there is one thing you can do.  St. Paul told the Thessalonians and this also applies to you, “. . . pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored.”

This means in your case praying for your pastor and all those entrusted in your congregation and church with spreading the Good News of salvation throughout the world.  Spreading the Gospel is a team effort, not a solo event.  It takes many to support just one missionary in a foreign country.  You may not be able to go to that country but the missionary goes there representing you, spreading the Gospel and doing the Lord’s work.  You can pray for that missionary, for your local pastor as he carries out his ministry or those who serve in the evangelism (outreach) ministry of your congregation.

You can pray . . . that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you.

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, guide my prayers that I pray for those who are engaged in spreading the Gospel that they know they are being supported in their ministry.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Hark the voice of Jesus crying, “Who will go and work today?

Fields are white and harvests waiting—

Who will bear the sheaves away?”

Loud and long the Master calleth; Rich reward He offers thee.

Who will answer, gladly saying, “Here am I, send me, send me”?

If you cannot speak like angels, If you cannot preach like Paul,

You can tell the love of Jesus, You can say He died for all.

If you cannot rouse the wicked With the judgment’s dread alarms; You can lead the little children To the Savior’s waiting arms.

If you cannot be a watchman, Standing high on Zion’s wall, Pointing out the path to heaven, Off’ring life and peace to all,

With your prayers and with your bounties

You can do what God commands; You can be like faithful Aaron, Holding up the prophet’s hands.

Let none hear you idly saying, “There is nothing I can do,”

While the multitudes are dying And the Master calls for you.

Take the task He gives you gladly, Let His work your pleasure be; Answer quickly when He calleth, “Here am I, send me, send me!”

(LSB 826)