Nancy Taylor Tate
Good tidings to all people!
“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10–11).
The familiar verse below has been alive and ringing in my heart as I have been in prayer these last weeks:
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:16–17).
God so loved the world! Revelation 5:9–12 speaks of a people redeemed by His blood out of every kindred, tongue, people, and nation. This is the Lord’s desire today! That none would perish, but all would receive forgiveness of sins and everlasting life through the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Lord has “no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from His way and live” (Ezekiel 33:11). Rather, “there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents” (Luke 15:10).
In Scripture, “the called” are all those who hear the Gospel and respond. In other words, “the called” are not a particular group, but all those who believe. They are those who hear the call of God and respond to the message of the cross (1 Corinthians 1:23–24).
For “as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:12).
Many are called! Yet Matthew 22:14 tells us few are chosen. I have heard that verse explained this way: Many are called, but few are willing to pay the price to be chosen.
Today I am thankful to be part of “the called.” A “chosen” one, whose faith and trust is in the Lord Jesus Christ. Each one who has put their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is now my brother and sister in Christ. Together, we are part of the family of God.
May we pray that others, regardless of nationality, race, or background, might have a revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ and His love for them. May each one have opportunity to know His love and, as brothers and sisters in Christ, become part of His family.
May we pray for an end-time harvest from every kindred, tongue, people, and nation!
Jesus! Savior of the world! My Savior and my Lord. He brought the gift of His love to you and to me, that together we might live and walk in right relationship with God. His love has filled our hearts and changed our lives. Because of Jesus, we can rejoice and celebrate together as we believe for others to join in.
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14).