25/06/2023 - THE SHEPHERD IN ACTION

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“Hear the word of the LORD, O nations, And declare it in the isles afar off, and say, ‘He who scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him as a shepherd does his flock.’   Jeremiah 31.10

It is the obligation of every citizen of any country to inform himself about its laws, or he will fail to provide any of the information requested. Those who don’t want to know about them can be fined, or, depending on the case, go to jail. Similarly, many Christians despise the Lord and, because God is love, they put off until later, and this later never comes. Those who do not seek to know their obligations become rebellious.

God’s summons is for all nations, regardless of whether His laws are strict or lenient. Since He is the Creator, all are summoned to obey His voice, even if they refuse to accept what He says. One country or another may even say that it doesn’t believe in the Most High, but on the Great Day, when all will stand before His throne to receive judgment for their attitudes, many will be in despair before the Judge par excellence (read Matthew, chapter 25).

Here is Jesus’ command: the Church must go into the world preaching the Gospel to every creature. The authors of the law of a nation, who prevent their people from knowing the message of the saving work of Calvary, will be condemned for preventing them from hearing the Truth and being converted. If the authorities want to control the faith, they will be held responsible for such evil. The condemnation will be eternal and irreversible!

There have always been dictators who have seized power and come to control the population, thinking that this is what is best for them. Now, the intentions in the hearts of those who consider themselves great will be shown. The message of the cross has to be preached to the world, so that everyone can decide for Christ. The devil uses the authorities in some places to prohibit the transformation of people through conversion to Jesus!

The message should be given to the nations, and also to the crowds of people unreached by the preaching of the Gospel residing on distant islands. God committed His Word to bring back the Hebrews who went into exile in search of a place to live in peace, free from persecution and the mistreatment received where they lived. The fact that Israel resisted the preaching of the Gospel caused them to be banished to the farthest corners of the world at that time.

According to Jeremiah, God Himself scattered Israel throughout the world, but now the descendants of Jacob would be gathered together by Him. Many people need to accept Christ before it is too late; otherwise, they will be eternally lost. Therefore, God raises us up to go and meet these people. Many are not of Jacob’s physical blood, but of the spiritual. The Lord Himself will take care of our work of evangelization.

The Most High still promises to protect those who will come seeking salvation; after all, one of His Names is the Good Shepherd, who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10.11). We cannot leave the lost out of the plan of salvation. We must care for them with joy and courage. God will give us strength!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares