We’ve seen three signs or “fruit” of a true hearing of the Word of God: conviction of sin and repentance, the pursuit of holiness, and a life of good works. And there’s more. Today’s reading from The Joy and Rejoicing of My Heart is found on pages 16 and 17:
“Christians today are presently struggling through what the prophet Amos referred to as a famine of hearing, and many of them don’t even seem to notice. But if we were really hearing the Word as God intends, we would observe more of the fruit we’ve mentioned thus far.
“A fourth fruit of the hearing of God’s Word is ready witness for Him. They in whom the Word is alive and powerful, transforming them into the image of Jesus Christ, cannot help but talk about Him with the people in their lives.
“God instructed the prophet Habakkuk to write His Word on tablets of stone, so that all who read it could run to proclaim it joyfully and urgently to the people of the land. When the apostles and believers in Jerusalem finally heard the message of the Gospel in the Word of God, they spilled into the streets and, ultimately, spread out to every nation proclaiming the Good News to everyone they met. Persecution could not stop them, nor could cultural differences, geographic distance, lack of resources, or the duties and distractions of daily life.
“In one generation, they turned their world upside-down for Jesus Christ. In little more than two centuries they established the banner of the Gospel as supreme over the civilized world. What they heard, they lived, and declared to others with such compelling power that multiplied thousands streamed into the churches to give thanks and praise to God.
“And what of our day?”
For reflection or discussion
1. How do churches today try to reach their community with the Gospel? What does your church do?
2. Does it seem to you that the Christians you know need some help in being witnesses for the Lord? What about yourself?
Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit, Who dwells in us and empowers us to hear the Word, would exert His power in and through us to make us witnesses for Christ. Not just to go witnessing, as some church event, but to be witnesses, every area and aspect of our lives devoted to serving and glorifying Christ. Wow! Can you imagine what that must be like? Share today’s podcast with a friend, then get together to discuss it. Or share it with many of your friends and urge them to join you in subscribing. Your copy of The Joy and Rejoicing of My Heart awaits you in The Ailbe Bookstore.
T. M. Moore
