Today we stop to remember. If you live in the United States you, too, will have already been reminded of the horror of terrorist attacks on September 11th. But, dear friends, God has something to say to us, something for us to consider in light of the tragic events that are still vividly imprinted in our memories.

Today's verse, "And the gospel must first be preached to all nations" (Mark 13:10) is included in Jesus' response to the disciples regarding the end of times. Let's take a moment to consider this verse in its context:

Mark 13:3-10 ~ "As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John and Andrew asked him privately, "Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?" Jesus said to them: "Watch out that no one deceives you. Many will come in my name, claiming, `I am he,' and will deceive many. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. "You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. And the gospel must first be preached to all nations."

Jesus told His disciples to take action: (1) Watch out that no one deceives you; (2) do not be alarmed; (3) be on your guard; and (4) the gospel must first be preached to all nations.

While we remember those who lost their lives on this day a few short years ago, let's do more than mourn their death. Let's put into action what Jesus told us to do when we see these things happening. Let's share the gospel!

When the Lord gives us specific direction, He also gives us the power to accomplish His directives. Most of us are careful about deception. Many of us do not get easily alarmed. Many have learned to be on guard for the wiles of the enemy. But most of us fail to take seriously Jesus' specific word to us: "The gospel must first be preached to all nations."

Since I've seen first hand how the ministry of the gospel literally transforms lives in foreign lands, my whole focus in life has changed. But you don't have to travel across the ocean to learn this; there is a neighbor who needs Christ, a coworker who needs to hear the Good News, a close friend who needs to be set free.

Don't let this day pass without first sharing the Gospel. Do your part in honoring those who lost their lives on September 11th. Heed the words of Christ and do it because you can see that we are indeed living in the times when nations are rising against nations and kingdom against kingdom.

Ask the Lord for an opportunity today to share the gospel with at least one person, then do it with boldness.

Father, first, I thank You for Your Word. I lift up every family who was touched by the September 11 tragedy and ask You to comfort them with Your gentle touch. Heal their wounds and mend their broken hearts. Lord, I recognize that the times in which we live are desperate times in many ways. Help me to do my part, Lord, while I share the Gospel today. Let Your holy boldness rise up within me. Give me the words to say and the confidence to say them. Speak through me, minister through me, and change at least one life today through me as I choose to obey your Word by spreading the Gospel. Come quickly, Lord Jesus … in Your precious name I pray, amen and amen.

"And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." (Matt 24:14)

© Jan Ross
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