IT NEEDS TO BE SHARED

Several years ago, Mercedes-Benz developed a new energy-absorbing construction for their cars which would save lives. The company held the patent on the design, but competitors were allowed to use it. Mercedes-Benz did not enforce its claim. When asked about it, a company spokesman said, “Because some things in life are too important not to share.” Imagine if someone found a cure for cancer and kept silent about it. The masses would cry out in unison, “That’s not right.”

In 2 Kings 7, we read an amazing story. The Syrian army had surrounded Samaria and it seemed there was no hope. However, the Lord intervened and they armies left (verse 6). Four lepers decided it would be better to die at the hands of the Syrians than to starve. They went to the enemy’s camp to surrender, but were surprised to find it deserted. The Syrians had fled in fear of their lives and left everything behind (verse 7). The four men stuffed themselves with food and took of the treasures and hid them. However, they soon realized something. Then they said to one another, “We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news, and we remain silent. If we wait until morning light, some punishment will come upon us. Now therefore, come, let us go and tell the king’s household” (2 Kings 7:9). It would be wrong to keep such good news a secret. They went and told the king what they found and the people were saved.

We have good news today. All have sinned (Romans 3:23), and the result of that sin is separation from God (Isaiah 59:1-2). If we remain in such a condition, eternal death will result (Romans 6:23). However, we do not have to remain in sin. Jesus came from heaven to live and die as a man, as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. If we will obey His will, His blood will cleanse us from all sin. Every person can be forgiven.

Those of us who are Christians know this and have done it. Through our obedience to the gospel, we are forgiven. The question is, “What are we doing about those who are still lost?” Mercedes-Benz thought saving physical lives was important enough to share good news. The four lepers thought avoiding starvation was important enough to share good news. How much more important is saving spiritual lives? How much greater is the task of avoiding spiritual starvation? With the gospel, we have the most important news available to man. It tells him how to receive forgiveness and eternal life. We have the responsibility to share it with them (Romans 10:13-14). In fact, the apostle Paul wrote, “For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16).

We have many opportunities to share the gospel with those around us. In the near future we will have two special opportunities. Allen Webster will be with us March 23-26 and Sam Long is coming May 4-7. These are opportunities for us to invite people to hear the gospel. Good news should not be kept secret, it needs to be shared.
--Lamar