From His Heart - Week of September 12

NO ANGELS ALLOWED

"And he reported to us how he had seen the angel standing in his house, and saying, 'Send to Joppa, and have Simon, who is also called Peter, brought here; and he shall speak words to you by which you will be saved, you and all your household.'''  Acts 11:13-14

Have you seen an angel lately?  For most of us, the answer is no.  But in Acts chapter 10, we read a story of a man who came face to face with one.  This man's name was Cornelius.  He was a God-fearing, Gentile centurion who was very religious and very sincerely seeking the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  Yet he was still unsaved, still on the highway to hell.       

As he prayed one day, an angel of God appeared to him in a vision.  He told Cornelius that God had noticed him.  He was to send for Peter who could share the gospel with him and lead him to salvation.  Cornelius obeyed at once.  Peter came to him, Cornelius and his family and close friends were saved, and the gospel spread to the Gentiles.        

WHY DIDN'T THE ANGEL TELL HIM?

Have you ever wondered why the angel didn't share the gospel with Cornelius?  Peter is 30 miles away in Joppa.  Wouldn't it have been a lot easier for the angel to tell Cornelius what he needed to hear in order to put his faith in Christ?  Of course!  It would have been easier, but it wouldn't have been right.  

God has given to men, not angels, the privilege and responsibility of sharing the saving knowledge of Jesus.  Why is that?  Doesn't it stand to reason that perfect angels would do a much better job than imperfect men?  They wouldn't chicken out like we do so much of the time.  They wouldn't mess up the wording.  They wouldn't ever get it wrong.

So, why does God reserve the task of witnessing to men?

SHARING GRACE

I think the reason is simple: Holy angels have never experienced God's amazing, saving grace.  Sharing the gospel is sharing the grace of God that has touched your own life.  An angel cannot relate to that.  An angel is innocent, but a Christian is saved.  

I ran across an old song that poignantly communicates this wonderful truth on the difference of men and angels. The song comes from Isaiah 6 and is titled Holy, Holy is What the Angels Sing.

            There is singing up in Heaven such as we have never known,

            Where the angels sing the praises of the Lamb upon the throne,

            Their sweet harps are ever tuneful, and their voices always clear,

            O that we might be more like they while

            we serve the Master here!

            Holy, holy, is what the angels sing,

            And I expect to help them make the courts of heaven ring;

            But when I sing redemption’s story,

            they will fold their wings,

            For angels never felt the joys that our salvation brings.

Have you felt the joys?  Have you experienced His grace?  Have you been redeemed (bought back) by the shed blood of God's own dear Son?

If so, you have something GREAT to sing about and share with others.  Angels can't, but you can!  And you can start today!

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, what an awesome privilege and responsibility You have entrusted to me.  I want to be the witness You want me to be.  I want to share the good news of salvation with friends, neighbors, co-workers, and classmates.  Put those people on my heart that You want to reach through me.  Help me to be Your bold witness, Lord.  Help me never forget the unfathomable price You paid to purchase so great a salvation.  In Jesus' name, amen.  

Love,

Pastor Jeff Schreve,
From His Heart Ministries             

Jeff Schreve founded From His Heart Ministries, www.fromhisheart.org, in 2005 with the vision to reach as many people as possible with the good news of God's love. Jeff believes that no matter how badly you may have messed up in life, God still loves you and has a great plan just for you. He broadcast on radio, TV and in the internet around the world from his pulpit ministry as Pastor of First Baptist in Texarkana, Texas. This ministry is completely listener/viewer supported. It continues only through the faithful and generous gifts of people like you. Pastor Jeff takes no income from this ministry. All gifts go to further the broadcast.

SPECIAL OFFER