Devotion for October 9, 2008

The Qualifications of a Witness—Living Faith

“Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.” (Matthew 13:58 NKJV)

“And when He had come into the house, the blind men came to Him. And Jesus said to them, ‘Do you believe that I am able to do this?’ They said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord.’ Then He touched their eyes, saying, ‘According to your faith let it be to you.’ And their eyes were opened. . . ” (Matthew 9:28-30 NKJV)

“And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast it out?" So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:18-20 NKJV)

Saving souls is not for those weak in faith. People say they believe Jesus can save people, but how many believe to the point that their lives reflect that belief. This is not “name it and claim it” time, but true faith does not hedge its bets either.

Jesus was standing on a high place overlooking a massive crowd of people when He became stirred and the Scripture records that tender moment for the reader.

“Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest truly [is] plentiful, but the laborers [are] few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.’” (Matthew 9:35-38 NKJV)

Dear brothers and sisters have you looked upon the multitudes lately? If their plight is not enough to move you to compassion, then what will? They are all together given over to their lusts. They are truly without a shepherd, and you hold the message of eternal life in your hands. Please do not coward behind the argument that God is not saving people in America. Weren’t you saved in America?

God can save; God will save; and He can use you if you will believe. Start by praying for the lost with a heart that truly loves. You know you used to be one of them, and God died for them. Don’t the Scriptures say, “Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved?” Please believe it.