And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, “Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” Revelation 14:6-7 (KJV)
The 17th century pastor, Richard Baxter said, “The things that we value do deeply affect us, and some motions will be in the heart according to our estimation of them.” I wonder sometimes just how truly affected I am by “the everlasting gospel.” Has my esteem for it truly affected those around me?
Our world is not affected by fear of God. People are not moved to worship and glorify God. Our heart and values can clearly be seen by the priority we place on the fear and glory of God. Before I can genuinely exhort others to “flee from the wrath to come,” I must be affected by the coming judgment. Before I judge others to be apathetic about fearing God, I must consider my own apathy.
Heaven and hell are set before my world and me. God is calling us to make a choice. If we receive “the everlasting gospel,” God will receive us. If we reject it, he will reject us.
I am thankful that I have chosen to receive it. But there are still thousands around me who have not. Has the gospel infected me so much that they are affected? There are millions in the world who still reject God’s gospel. Has the gospel infected the church so much that the world is affected?
Dear Father, thank you for your grace and mercy. O Lord, deliver your church from apathy and complacency. Infect us with the affection for dying souls. Empower us to proclaim your everlasting gospel to the world. In the name of Jesus I pray. AMEN
Be encouraged today with the affection of the Gospel,