As the sun rises for another day, it looks down upon billions of people, each created in the image of God, each redeemed by the blood of the Son of God, but so few who understand His great sacrifice. The world is dark with misapprehension of God. And the statistics tell us that the percentage of Christians to world population is steadily shrinking. People who are wiser and more thoughtful than I am wonder how the gospel can ever be effectively proclaimed to these billions.
But as surely as the run rises upon the earth this morning, so surely does “the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in His wings,” says Malachi (4:2). That is, to “those who fear [His] name,” and they are many. Christ is “the light that shineth in darkness, and the darkness does not overcome it” (John 1:5). He is “the true Light, which lighteth every person that cometh into the world” (vs. 9).
If I feel a burden for these billions who misapprehend God, how much more did the apostle Paul feel the same burden: “How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? and how shall they preach, except they be sent ... that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!?” (Rom. 10:14,15).
Great questions! But Paul says there is a soul-winning ministry going on that we don’t know about: “Have they not heard? Yes verily.” Then Paul quotes Psalm 19:4 where David directly compares the sunrise with the light of the gospel that shines—no, that’s not the word— reflected (that’s better). Everyone who will look, who “fears His name,” can find today some evidence of the love of God for lost souls.
You and I are not headlights; but we can be like the reflectors on bicycles that glow in the dark when even a little light shines on them. And you, one of earth’s billions, can light someone’s path today with that reflected light from the Sun of righteousness. Then when evening comes you can be happy!
Be sure to check your e-mail for "Dial Daily Bread" again tomorrow.
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