God’s Plan For Sharing
By Jon Sapp
April 2012
Easter is almost here. As I enjoy gaining a few years, I continue to be surprised with how fast time flies and the years pass. Each of the past three years various churches across Nebraska and Kansas have taken Easter as the central date for their outreach event. Each year I have partnered with different Associations in getting the message of “Find it Here” out through television or radio. This year we are working with the Spanish speaking television stations in central and western Kansas. Join with me in asking God’s blessing on those 30 second messages of finding hope in knowing Him.
As Easter approaches, I recently reviewed Jesus’ return to Jerusalem for Passover before the crucifixion. Celebration for all he had done was so evident in his entry into the city. People wanted him back and welcomed him with singing and quoting the Psalms as he rode into the city. As we prepare for this Easter, is our excitement comparable to what we see with the people of Jerusalem? They had seen and heard what Jesus had done in the lives of many. The one born blind, Lazarus and the paralytic all had shared of what Jesus had done for them. In addition to their testimonies, all that were present when Lazarus was raised from the dead had to have passed on what they have seen. I believe the power of our own life experience of God’s work communicates His love and His grace in today’s world. Our celebration of His place in our lives can be one important aspect of the Easter holiday.
The focus on prayer for those that don’t know Christ is a second element found in the Easter Week events. Jesus comes back into Jerusalem on the next day and goes directly to the temple. After entering, he begins to turn over tables, open cages holding the doves and driving out of the temple area those buying and selling. The phrase “and as He taught them” caught my attention. Jesus wanted the disciples and others willing to listen to understand why he was doing such drastic actions in the temple. His passion was driven by the purpose of the temple. In Isaiah 56:5-7 we find worship in the temple by foreigners who bound themselves to the Lord. It is in that context that the temple is called a “House of Prayer for all nations.” A cleaned temple may be disturbing for those that lost business. But what a celebration for those that have “bound” themselves to the Lord and finding a place of worship and a place to pray for their own that have not yet discovered the Lord. Seeing those that know the Lord praying for those that don’t know the Lord has to be pleasing to Him. Celebration for His work among other people groups motivates us to keep on sharing.
As you focus your heart upon all He has done for you this Easter season, let celebration be one element of your worship. Remembering His work in your life and His work in others including those very different from you encourages us during these upcoming days for Easter. That celebration and worship of our God who gave Himself for us to enter into a relationship with Him is central to God’s Plan for Sharing.
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