Your Daily Devotional for September 2, 2006

 

September 2, 2006

 

There Is Hope

by Dr. Paul Chappell

 

 “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”

 

Isaiah 53:5-6

 

There was a Christian lady who frequently traveled and because flying made her nervous, she always took her Bible. On one particular trip a man saw the Bible and said, “You don’t really believe all that stuff do you?” The lady replied, “Well of course.” He said, “Well what about that guy that was swallowed by a whale?” She said, “Yes I believe in the account of Jonah.” He said, “Well how do you suppose he was all that time in the whale.” She said, “I don’t know, I’ll have to ask him when I get to Heaven.” He said sarcastically, “What if he isn’t in Heaven?” She said, “Then you can ask him!”

 

Many people tend to see the hard-heartedness of others and think there is no hope of salvation for them. But based upon the resurrection, there truly is hope for all who look in faith to Christ. There is not just hope for a select few; there is hope for all who would believe that Christ has paid for their sin by dying on the cross.

 

When Christ was on earth, He did not reserve salvation for only a certain type of people. He loved us enough to provide salvation through His Son to everyone as we see in John 3:16, “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.” Because God loved the whole world, He sent His Son!

 

Christ witnessed to tax-collectors, disabled people, religious hypocrites, the poor and needy, and even demon-possessed people. It did not matter who the person was, Christ told them of His love for them. How often do we cower from telling someone of Christ because of who they are or what they look like? Yet, God gave you a second chance when He saved you from your sins.

 

What person does not deserve that second chance? Who is “so far gone” that they cannot be saved? No one! Jesus died for the drug-addict on the street just as He died for you. We are no better than any other sinner on this planet!

 

There is hope for every lost person! All they need is someone who is willing to tell them of Christ’s second chance for them. Who do you know that needs to hear the Gospel? With whom have you been afraid to share the news of God’s free gift? God gave you a second chance and they deserve one as well! Do not be afraid of sharing the Gospel with others; God is there to help! Ask God to give you boldness today to forget your fears and to proclaim His truth to those who need it.

 

 

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