A divine encounter (Part 3)

Saul’s divine encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ led to a transformational journey that caused the former enemy of the church to become an advocate, a defender,  a supporter and an apostle of the church. Saul’s transformation was so quick that those who encountered him afterwards were astonished. This whole change in trajectory began on the way to Damascus when the Lord Jesus Himself called out to Saul. Then through the direction of Jesus, Saul went to Damascus and Ananias were sent to lead Saul to faith. In that meeting, the scales that had clouded Saul’s eyes fell off. Saul who before was blind to the Lordship of Jesus had his eyes opened to the truth: Jesus is Lord and Messiah of the world. Saul understood that, in his ignorance, he had been fighting against God. Even the disciples of Jesus’ initially found it hard to accept Saul. Jesus had to speak to Ananias in a vision about His plans for Saul. After Saul’s baptism, he spent several days with the disciples in Damascus (Acts 9:19). What was Saul’s next move after his encounter with Jesus?‬

At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. ‭(Acts 9:20)

According to ‭Acts 9:20, Saul did not delay in letting the people know that he had met Jesus: “At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.” I can imagine the shock on the faces of those who heard Saul preach that Jesus is the Son of God. The same Saul who had become infamous for his role in crushing the church was the one preaching the same Jesus he once persecuted. How could that be? In Acts 9:21, all those who heard Saul were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” Saul wasn’t ashamed of the gospel of Jesus. He went all out to proclaim that “Jesus is the Son of God”. As the people pondered over Saul’s drastic change, Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah (Acts 9:22).

When we genuinely encounter Jesus, it would be an error for our lives to remain the same. The people around us should see the change in us. No one should require a telescope, a scan or an x-ray to identify the changes in us when we encounter Jesus. The change is visible; our way of life changes, our perception changes, our conversations should change and even the people we hang around should change. The bad things we used to do, we do them no more. The sins we committed in the past will remain in the past. Our newness should transmit a sweet aura around us. Like Saul, the people around us should marvel at how we have been transformed. No one encounters Jesus and leaves untransformed. If you have genuinely had an encounter with Jesus, we should see that reflects in your way of life. Your light will shine in the darkness, you will become the salt of your world. Men will see you and glorify your Father in heaven.

Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch

The ministry of Philip, one of the seven appointed to serve tables extended beyond food and hospitality. When Saul began to destroy the church, going from house to house, and dragging off both men and women and putting them in prison (Acts 8:3), the church scattered. The scattered church members preached the word wherever they went (‭Acts 8:4). Thus, their flight became an opportunity for more people to hear about Jesus. Philip also went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there (‭Acts 8:5). In a previous post, we established that Philip was a deacon and an evangelist. Through him, the people of Samaria heard the message of the gospel and many people came to faith. The numbers were so outstanding that the church in Jerusalem had to send Peter and John to support the new and growing church. Philip was not hindered by the fact that the church in Jerusalem appointed him as a deacon in charge of food distribution. He knew that wherever God took him was an opportunity to share the word. As the church in Samaria thrived under the ministry of Philip, God had another task for evangelist Philip to undertake. An important task that sent the gospel message to Africa.

Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked.‭ (Acts 8:30)

Philip was a man who was in tune with God. One day, an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (‭Acts 8:26). Philip didn’t question why It was urgent for him to go to that particular road. Philip’s response was this: “So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake (which means “queen of the Ethiopians”). This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship” (Acts 8:27). God wanted a special person to understand scripture and Philip was the man assigned to the task. The Ethiopian eunuch believed in the God of the Jews, and he had travelled all the way from Ethiopia to worship in Jerusalem. On his way home, this man was sitting in his chariot reading the Book of Isaiah the prophet (‭Acts 8:28). The passage was on the Suffering Servant but the eunuch had no idea who this person was. As instructed by the Spirit, Philip went and stayed near to the chariot. When Philip heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet, he asked the eunuch, “Do you understand what you are reading?” (‭Acts 8:29-30).

The Ethiopian’s response was this: “How can I, unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him (Acts 8:31). The passage the man was reading concerned the Suffering Servant. The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” ‭(Acts 8:34). Sensing the opportune time and the man’s quest to know more, Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus (Acts 8:35).‬ What was the man’s response? He accepted the word and even went ahead and got baptized. According to Acts 8:36, 38, “As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. The eunuch identified with the death and resurrection of Jesus when he was baptized. He publicly made known his dedication to follow Jesus.

After the baptism,  something miraculous happened. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing (Acts 8:39). Philip’s talk with the eunuch was done and God repositioned him in Azotus and he traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea (Acts 8:40). On his part, the eunuch went back home and introduced the gospel to his community, his nation and the continent of Africa.

There are many types of “Ethiopian eunuchs” we meet each day. Be willing and ready at all times to hear the Spirit talk to you. When the Spirit leads you to share the word with someone, don’t allow fear to draw you back. He will grant you the grace to evangelize.

Philip: The Deacon and Evangelist

In Acts 6, the church faced a challenge with food distribution. The apostles, understanding their core mandate, proposed the appointment of deacons to help with the food distribution while they (the apostles) focus on the ministry of the word. This proposal pleased the whole group. As a result, “they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.” (‭Acts 6:5-6). The seven deacons were men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom (Acts 6:3 KJV‬). These deacons were entrusted with the responsibility of the food or hospitality ministry. However, we see that beyond the ministry of food distribution, these deacons were also engaged in ministry work. We encounter how Stephen boldly defended the Gospel before the religious leaders. The religious leaders could not stand the wisdom with which Stephen spoke and ended up killing him.

When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. ‭(Acts 8:6)

After Stephen’s death, those that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word (‭Acts 8:4 KJV‬). The persecuted church members spread the message of the gospel in their flight. Thus, what was meant to crush them ended up propelling them into greatness. Among those who scattered abroad was Philip, one of the seven appointed to serve tables. In his flight, Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them (Acts 8:5 KJV‬). Not only did Philip preach Christ, he also performed miraculous signs. In Acts 8:6-8, we are told that “when the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was great joy in that city. Like Stephen, Philip was in charge of food distribution, a task that we might all consider mundane. However,  in the house of God, no activity is mundane. Every department requires members that are in tune with the word of God and the presence of God. Philip did not abandon his faith during his flight. Afterall, his ministry of food distribution was obviously not needed in Samaria. Yet, his faith as a believer was still relevant to cause changes.

The great work Philip did in Samaria necessitated that the apostles in Jerusalem visit. According to ‭Acts 8:14, “when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria.” The presence of Peter and John in Samaria was important for the new church. When Peter and John arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. (See ‭Acts 8:15-17). Philip’s evangelical ministry necessitated the arrival of the apostles. Like Philip,  wherever we go, we should be ambassadors of Christ. We don’t need fancy titles to let the world know what we carry. Other than the church in Samaria, Philip also played an important role in the church in Africa (Ethiopia).

We have all been called to transform our world and communities. It doesn’t matter where you are. What is required of you, is your availability and willingness to be an agent of transformation. Where will you start? Your neighbourhood can be your Samaria. Don’t allow fear and doubt to hinder you. Go out and transform your world.

The sisters in Rome: A great welcome for a renowned evangelist

As we continue Paul’s historic journey to Rome as seen in the eyes of the sisters in the church, it is important to acknowledge that Luke the author of the book of Acts did not miss geographical details. In Acts 28:14. The team stopped at Puteoli, a Harbour city around 140 miles from Rome. The remaining journey was obviously made on land not sea. Acts 28:14b makes a profound statement; “And so we came to Rome.” Thus, the rest of the journey to Rome from Puteoli was considered the Roman Road. Paul had previously written to the Roman church and in his letter, he had promised them that he would be in Rome to visit the churches:
“But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to visit you, I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to see you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while.” (Romans 15:23‭-‬24).
Paul’s plan was to visit Rome as a free evangelist proclaiming the message of the gospel. However, Paul arrived in Rome as a prisoner in chains. This new personal state did not deter the sisters and brothers in Rome from giving Paul a resounding welcome.

The brothers and sisters there had heard that we were coming, and they traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. At the sight of these people Paul thanked God and was encouraged. (Acts 28:15)

The members of the Christian faith in Rome have read Paul’s letter, they have heard of his boldness and audacity for the gospel. Paul was the great evangelist of his day who could confidently present the gospel message even in the midst of massive opposition. When the brothers and sisters there had heard that Paul and his team were coming, and they traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet them. At the sight of these people Paul thanked God and was encouraged (Acts 28:15). The people walked about 40 miles to meet Paul. They were so eager to see him that the distance did not matter. The sisters in Rome joined their fellow men to make a day’s journey to meet Paul. The Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns were two different stations along the Appian Way to Rome. The sisters didn’t worry about the distance they had to cover. They traveled to these places to welcome evangelist Paul. Although Paul did not arrive with pomp and circumstance, his chains did not deter the sisters. Acts 28:15b states that “at the sight of these people Paul thanked God and was encouraged.” The joy of meeting believers who didn’t care about all that they stand to lose from associating with the gospel was heartwarming to Paul.

Remember, a few years before this visit, Paul had written to the churches in Rome. One of the famous quotes in this letter was “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?” (Romans 8:35). The sisters and brothers in Rome might have memorized Paul’s response: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:‬38‭-‬39). The road to Rome and its attendant challenges and the doors God opened in the midst of these challenges would have encouraged the believers in Rome. Paul’s letter to the Romans has verses that present the gospel considering man’s fall and God’s promise of salvation. These verses are known as the Roman Road:
Romans 3:23: For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Romans 6:23: For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 5:8: But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 10: 9-10: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

As the sisters of the churches in Rome traveled over distances to meet the great evangelist Paul, they would have been prepared and ready to share the love of God to all the people they met on the road. They would have memorized key passages in the letter from Paul and would have been ready to share their faith on the Appian Way to meet Paul. Why not spend the week memorizing the four scriptures that form the Roman Road strategy to share the gospel. If you should meet the apostle Paul on the Roman Road today, can you make him proud by presenting the gospel to others?

Prominent Greek women in Berea

The post on Eunice elucidated on the cultural gap between Jews and Greeks as at the time of Jesus and even during the days of the early church. We identified that historically, there was a huge cultural gap between Jews and Greeks at the time of Paul. We saw that historically, the Greeks had conquered and controlled the Jews until the Romans took over. Which made the Jews develop some sort of rivalry towards the Greeks. The period of the Greeks’ rule infiltrated Jewish society with Hellenistic culture. The presence of the Greek language, Greek gods and Greek temples in Jewish communities was a testament of the massive religious and cultural influence. This post will focus on a section of Greek women who lived in Berea. The city of Berea was 43 miles southwest of Thessalonica and it is estimated that traveling from Thessalonica to Berea was likely to have taken two days of walking. After Paul and his Silas fled Thessalonica, they went to Berea. When they arrived in Berea, they went to the Jewish synagogue (Acts 17:10).

As a result, many of them believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men. (Acts 17:12)

Very early in life, I understood that I needed the attitude of the Berean Jews for a concentrated Christian growth. What was the attitude of the Berean Jews. Acts 17:11 states this: “Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” By cross-examining scripture, they were able to verify all the claims Paul and Silas made about the Messiah. The result of their due diligence to investigate scripture in accordance with the words of Paul and Silas was this: “As a result, many of them believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men.” (Acts 17:12). The prominent Greek women were women of esteem. They were highly regarded in the society. They were influential and possibly some of these prominent women controlled businesses and commerce. The prominent Greek women were women of power and might have been instrumental in the growth and development of the city of Berea.

The Greeks were considered highly philosophical and they had a huge crave for wisdom unlike theJews who were seeking for signs (1 Corinthians 1:22). Thus, in a city infiltrated with Greeks and Greek culture, the apostle Paul and his team had to explain scripture from the viewpoint of wisdom and knowledge. The prominent Greek women did not just jump to believe. Like the Jews in Berea, these women might have carefully analyzed the evidence of Paul’s submission in relation to both historical sources and current oral narrative on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit, the Revealer of truth did His work of conviction and this led to a successful evangelistic experience. The prominent Greek women were part of those believed. The Berean Jews together with these prominent Greek women and many Greek men came to faith and these began the church in Berea.

The success in the church in Berea attracted a common enemy. When the Jews in Thessalonica learned that Paul was preaching the word of God at Berea, some of them went there too, agitating the crowds and stirring them up (Acts 17:13). The Berean believers, knowing the danger ahead, immediately sent Paul to the coast, but Silas and Timothy stayed at Berea (Acts 17:14). Thus, the work in Berea did not cease. Under the watchful eyes of the prominent Greek women, Silas and Timothy might have enjoyed some freedom to disciple the church and to win more souls into the faith. The church in Berea was helped by God and through the presence of these influential women, God established His church even in the midst of strong opposition.

The Berean church benefited from the influence of these highly esteemed women. God does not place us in our local churches to just add to the numbers. You have been assigned there for a specific purpose. You might not be the prominent Greek woman, but you could be the Anna interceding for the church. Never underestimate what you can do to bring growth in the church. Be a Berean Christian who diligently searches scripture and be generous enough to share God’s love with the people around you.

Lydia: A marketplace believer

One of the unique platforms for workplace ministry is the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International (FGBMFI) which draws business people on every continent to work together to transform their communities, cities, and nations through the message of the gospel. The FGBMFI has impacted lives and transformed ordinary marketplace believers into a global movement of people who seek to make the world a better place with their exemplary lifestyle and Christlike approach to business and ministry. FGBMFI is a reminder that wherever you are, Christ should be seen in you. Apostle Paul is known as a tentmaker and yet throughout his career, he was seen as an apostle of the gospel. Making and selling tents did not stop Him from transforming the world with the gospel of Jesus. In the 21st century, it has become increasingly difficult for believers in the marketplace (especially in the Western world) to publicly declare their faith. However, we cannot hide because we have been called the light of the world. This post will consider a business woman who was also a worshiper of God and opened her home for ministry.

One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. (Acts 16:14)

Paul’s ministry in the city of Thyatira took a different dimension. According to Acts 16:13, when Paul and his team arrived in Thyatira, on the Sabbath they went outside the city gate to the river, where they expected to find a place of prayer. The team sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. Taking advantage of the woman gathered at the river, Paul delivered the message of the gospel to them. One woman stood out from the riverside congregation. Her name was Lydia. Acts 16:14 states that “One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.” Lydia believed in God and when Paul presented the message of the gospel of Jesus, the Lord opened her heart to respond positively. One distinct feature of Lydia is that she was a business woman; a dealer in purple cloth. Lydia was engaged in a professional venture yet she was a worshiper of God.

After Lydia’s conversion to Christianity, she and her entire household believed and were baptized. Lydia went ahead and invited Paul and his team to her home. She said to them, “If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my house.” (Acts 16:15). Lydia opened her home to the missionaries. She might have provided for their needs and still went about her purple cloth business. Paul and the team continued their ministry in Thyatira until another woman’s exorcism landed them into trouble. Paul and his companion Silas were imprisoned in Thyatira but even there, they continued with ministry. “After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. Then they left” (Acts 16:40). Lydia house might have been the initial meeting place for the church in Thyatira. Before Paul and the team left Thyatira, they had established a church. One woman’s hospitality led to doors of ministry. The church in Thyatira grew bigger and it was one of the seven churches that were sent letters through the vision of John the Apostle.

The recommendation from Jesus to the chain Thyatira was this: “I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.” (Revelation 2:19). Like many other churches, the church in Thyatira was rebuked by the Lord for some sinful infiltration. The Lord sees all churches and fellowships.

Like Lydia, we must all be intentional about seizing every opportunity to be a blessing to the body of Christ. Our workplaces should be our mission field. Our lifestyles should lead even unbelievers to desire to be like us. Instead of becoming like everyone, we should desire to be like Christ. Proclaiming one’s love for the Lord is one thing, but living it out even in the marketplace is another. Can Jesus be seen in you even at your workplace?

The Samaritan woman: Drawing water from the living spring

Jews and Samaritans had a historical friction and that led them to disassociate from each other. This was so significant that it would have been almost impossible for Jews and Samaritans to engage in a conversation. Jews considered Samaritans as renegades because of their association with religions of the people who were historically imported to Samaria. The Samaritans also considered themselves as part of the nation of Israel but at the time of Jesus, the Samaritans believed in only the first five books of Moses. The average Jew would rather spend hours traveling around Samaria than to spend a few minutes passing through. The average Samaritan was easily provoked by the presence of Jews and this is exemplified in Luke 9:51-56. Even two of the disciples of Jesus (the sons of Zebedee) asked Jesus, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?” (Luke 9:54). Jesus rebuked the sons of Zebedee. Given this background of animosity, the parable of the good Samaritan would have come as a shock to both Jews and Samaritans (Luke 10:25-37). This post will consider a meeting between Jesus and a Samaritan woman.

When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” (John 4:7)

This story has a unique impact on both Jews and Samaritans. Jesus and His disciples had left Judea and were going to Galilee. The average Jew would have moved around Samaria but Jesus went through the city. John 4:4-6 states that “Now He (Jesus) had to go through Samaria. So He came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon.” Jesus chose to go through the territory most Jews would have avoided. Usually, in ancient times, you wouldn’t expect much activity at the well at noon. The women fetched water in the morning or in groups. On this particular day, there was one lone woman at the well. This Samaritan woman came to draw water and Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” At that time, His disciples had gone into the town to buy food (see John 4:7‭-‬8). Both the Samaritan woman and Jesus knew that no Jew would ask a Samaritan for a drink. But Jesus was not a divisive Jew, He is a unifier.

I believe the Samaritan woman was shocked by Jesus’ request. The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” In other words, this woman told Jesus that you know that Jews do not associate with Samaritans so why are you asking me for a drink (John 4:9). One would expect Jesus to be apologetic and ask the woman for water because He was tired. However, the journey through Samaria was not to get water. Jesus was bringing to the Samaritans living water and the woman at the well was His first point of contact. Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” (John 4:10). The woman asked Jesus “Sir, you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?” (John 4:11‭-‬12). She directed Jesus for His inability to draw the water because of the depth (since He had nothing to draw with, meaning she wasn’t ready to share with Jesus the thing to even use to draw the water). She also referred Jesus to their history of having the same ancestor. In other words blaming the Jews for the inability to accept their own relatives (Samaritans).

Jesus then told the woman, “Go, call your husband and come back.” (John 4:16). The woman replied that she has no husband. Jesus told the woman all that she had ever done. The number of husbands she had had in the past and the fact that she was living with a man who wasn’t even married to her. The woman was surprised and said, “Sir, I can see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.” (John 4:19‭-‬20). The Samaritan woman accepted Jesus’ revelation about her life but went back to historical rivalry. She told Jesus that the worship of the Samaritans is scorned by the Jews because it is not done in Jerusalem. Jesus replied,
“Woman, believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” (John 4:21‭-‬24).
Jesus introduced God’s ideal for worship, “in the Spirit and in truth” . The woman goes back to the shared history with the Jews and said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” (John 4:25). At this point, Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.” (John 4:26).

Upon hearing this, the woman left her water jar, and went back to the town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” They came out of the town and made their way toward him (John 4:28‭-‬30). The woman’s personal testimony opened the door for the ministry of Jesus in Samaria. She was scorned for her way of life but she was the first Samaritan person to listen to Jesus and to know who He is. For two days, Jesus and His disciples stayed with the Samaritans and many believed Him because of His words many more became believers (John 4:41). The Samaritans said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Saviour of the world.” (John 4:42).

The Samaritan woman wasn’t perfect but in her imperfections, she evangelized to a whole city and through her testimony, Jesus got accepted into Sychar. It doesn’t matter our past, what matters is our present relationship with the Messiah and our future glory. Don’t be shy to tell people what the Lord has done for you. Your testimony is the key to opening the doors of cities for the gospel. If Jesus meets you at the well, will you run back to the city and bring them to the saving grace of Jesus? Or would you rather hoard Jesus and His salvation message denying a whole city the opportunity to hear the transformative message of the gospel?

God desires all men to be saved!

Have you ever been in the position of knowing an answer to a specific question but as a result of a price tag on the answer, you had secretly prayed that no one else gets it right? As someone who has been involved in several quiz competitions both in church and in academic circles, I can say that sometimes, I had selfishly desired to be the one who knows the right answer. This happens in the corporate world as well. The height of competition and the need to climb the promotional ladder have caused secret rivalry between workers. This is what happens when only a few are deemed necessary. In the house of God, we don’t compete with one another, but pull each other up.

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:3‭-‬4 KJV)

We need to understand that God wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. This is the heartbeat of God. Therefore, evangelism and discipleship are the appropriate ways for us to have God’s will done. No one is too bad for salvation, the arm of God is open to all. The knowledge of the truth is not for just a few, it is for everyone. How can people be judged by what they did not have the opportunity to hear, nor be exposed to? Be kind enough to share the truth with them. Do not keep the truth to yourself. In the kingdom of God, soul winners have their rewards, so share and do not keep the truth alone. All need to hear.

Knowledge of this affects our relationship with God and with one another. First, we are not in competition but we complement each other. Second, it calls for a combined effort to save others at all costs. Paul admonished Timothy to inform the church to make petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving for all people including “kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Tim. 2:1-2). If we don’t pray for men in authority, the world will never have peace. Today, pray for a brother, a sister, a friend, a neighbour and someone you know from afar.

Dear God, thank You for Your good and acceptable desire to have all humanity saved. May we be always willing and ready to make this truth known to all people. In Jesus name, Amen.