John 20:31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Here we have the motivation for John writing his Gospel, and John’s desire has been magnificently fulfilled over the centuries. By writing last, he picked up a lot of things that weren’t covered by the other Gospel writers, and in the process penned what is probably the most famous verse in the whole Bible. John wanted to be an instrument of the blessing he recorded Jesus saying in verse 29: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” There were those who saw the risen Christ and still doubted (Matthew 28:17), but there were and are many more who read or hear the words recorded in the Bible and do believe, and so receive eternal life. Those who have believed need to keep spreading the message so that more and more may believe!

This is obviously vital to me, since I have dedicated my life as a missionary. However, I feel I deserve no special credit, because, as Paul said, Christ’s love compels me. (2 Corinthians 5:14) When I fail to speak what God has spoken to me, I feel like Jeremiah did: “But if I say, ‘I will not mention him or speak any more in his name,’ his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.” (Jeremiah 20:9) There are those who are tired of hearing me talk, and indeed I have a tendency to overload my hearers. I do think the Lord is helping me grow in that area, however! That said, it is a marvelous privilege to share the Word of the Lord, the Truth that sets people free if they will receive it. (John 8:32) My challenge at this point is in equipping the believers so that they too may share the truth that they have received, being strengthened in their faith even as they share it with others. I believe the Lord is bring this church to a point of great breakthrough, to be the embassy of the kingdom of God that He wants us to be. (2 Corinthians 5:20)

Father, thank You for this strong reminder, and for all that You are doing in, around, and through us in these days. Thank You for the start You are giving me today in active mentoring of one believer. I pray that he would indeed rise to the challenge and grow and serve as You desire and intend. I pray that every believer in this church would recognize the gifts You have placed in them and rejoice to return them to You in active service, so that we may be the active, healthy part of the Body of Christ that You intend us to be, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!