“The servant reported back, ‘Master, I did what you commanded—and there’s still room.’ “The master said, ‘Then go to the country roads. Whoever you find, drag them in. I want my house full! - Luke 14:22-23 (MSG)
One night a group of nomads were preparing to retire for the evening when suddenly they were surrounded by a great light. They knew they were in the presence of a celestial being. With great anticipation, they awaited a heavenly message of great importance that they knew must be especially for them. Finally, the voice spoke, “Gather as many pebbles as you can. Put them in your saddle bags. Travel a day’s journey and tomorrow night you will either be glad or sad for the rest of your life”
After having departed, the nomads shared their disappointment and anger with each other. They had expected the revelation of a great universal truth that would enable them to create wealth, health and purpose for the world. But instead they were given a menial task that made no sense to them at all. However, the memory of the brilliance of their visitor caused each one to pick up a few pebbles and deposit them in their saddle bags while voicing their displeasure. They traveled a day’s journey and that night while making camp, they reached into their saddle bags and discovered every pebble they had gathered had become a diamond. They were glad they had diamonds. They were sad they had not gathered more pebbles.
"He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him". - Psalms 126:6
Soul winning is the art of gathering many pebbles into the eternal saddle bags for Christ and this is the primary responsibility of every genuine believer (Mark 16:15). Unfortunately, many believers still consider this divine task as a menial job with no earthly or eternal reward. They could not understand why God would hide their much desired precious diamonds inside such a pebble-like task of His (John 4:35-36, Psalms 126:6). It is hard for them to believe that the greatest pebbles anyone can gather into his/her saddle bag on earth is not riches, friends, awards or academic qualifications but lost souls. Every single pebble we dare to gather or pick for Christ will trigger great celebration in heaven (Luke 15:10).
"Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth." - Luke 15:10
Beloved, every Christian is either a soul winner or backslider. Yes, you are either a fisher of men or freezer of men. Please be sincere, which one are you? How many pebbles have you gathered for Christ in your sojourn on earth? Is your saddle bag full or empty? Do you want to finish your journey with great regret like those nomads? I urge you to please retrace your steps back to the mercy seat today and tarry in the upper room until you are endued with power from on high to witness Christ (Acts 1:8).
One special song that reiterates the great commission recorded in Mark 16:15 and Luke 14: 22-23 is titled "Gather Them In". As you prayerfully meditate on the lyrics of this wonderful hymn, I trust God to stir up fresh passion for souls in you.
GATHER THEM IN! By Fanny Crosby (1820 - 1915)
Gather them in! for yet there is room
At the feast that the King has spread;
O gather them in! let His house be filled,
And the hungry and poor be fed.
Refrain:
Out in the highway, out in the byway,
Out in the dark paths of sin,
Go forth, go forth, with a loving heart,
And gather the wanderers in!
Gather them in! for yet there is room;
But our hearts—how they throb with pain;
To think of the many who slight the call
That may never be heard again.
Gather them in! for yet there is room;
’Tis a message from God above;
O gather them into the fold of grace,
And the arms of the Savior’s love.
It is my prayer that God will give us genuine burden and passion for lost souls. As we pray for lost souls and attempt to gather them in, the Holy Spirit will take over and bring them in like sheaves into the kingdom. And when the season of sowing and gathering on earth is over, our Commander shall bid us "Well done, thou good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:23).
Good day and God bless you.
Maranatha!
Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo
For more articles, please visit -
http://okanlawon.webnode.com
http:// okanlawontaiwo.blogspot.com
Twitter: @tammytaiwo
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