Our hearts broke as we heard the news of Kobe Bryant, his daughter, and the seven other precious souls on board the crashed helicopter near LA on Sunday. This tragic news reminds us that in life there are no guarantees. Throughout the day, my mind circled back to the sadness of the event, the shock of young lives taken so suddenly, and the shortness of life.
One question occupied my mind throughout the day, “Were they prepared for eternity?”
No Greater Desire Than To See People Saved
We turn our attention to Paul as he describes his passion, the message, and the means of salvation hope for people.
1 Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. …
8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
14 How then shall they call on 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? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? (Rom 10:1-15)
We echo Paul’s words, “Our heart’s desire and prayer to God is that people may be saved!”
Three Implications for Your Day and Week
First, take a few moments today and allow the sudden death of Kobe to remind you how we all have the same end. Death is inevitable.
Second, recognize how those around you need to hear the Gospel, because faith only comes through hearing the Word of God. Be burdened for those around you.
Third, begin a conversation with someone with the goal of helping them be prepared for eternity.
We rejoice in these beautiful words, “For ‘whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.'”
KevinCarson.com | Wisdom for Life in Christ Together
The 1st priority and responsibility of every person, who has been born into God’s family, is to reach out to those who so not understand how to get into heaven. Everyone is born with sin, and sin has to cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. No one has a promise of tomorrow, because each breath a person takes is a gift of God. David said “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah in Psalm 68:19 says. Every gift is a Gift of God and we need to share his blessings with others, especially how God is willing to give the gift of Grace, Salvation, and Mercy, and how it can be obtained.
HINTS FOR PASTORS AND LAYPERSONS (1)
Verse 19.
The load of benefits.
The load of obligation.
The load of praise due in return.
Verse 19.
Salvation is not to be forgotten in the midst of
daily mercies.
Daily mercies are not to be forgotten in the
enjoyment of salvation. G. R.
(1) https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/treasury-of-david/psalms-68-19.html