Strawberries

A man took his son to a strawberry field. As they walked through the field picking strawberries, the man gave his son a big juicy strawberry to eat. It was so juicy and sweet, and his son loved the strawberry. To the son, the strawberry was delicious and fulfilling. For years they would go to the strawberry patch to pick strawberries, and the son came to love strawberries more than anything. The son grew, and as he did, he discovered other things that contained strawberries and some that had no strawberries but tasted like strawberries. The son grew to love things like Pop-Tarts, and cereals. Then the son discovered artificial things like slushies, no strawberries, only artificial flavors, chemicals, and colors. One day the son returned to the strawberry patch, only this time when he ate the strawberries, and he did not like them; they tasted nothing like Pop-Tarts and slushies. He no longer desired the real strawberries.

The Sweetness of the Gospel

The Gospel of Jesus Christ has been made artificial. It has been changed and modified to fit the needs of the person. Humans have altered the gospel to serve social justice movements, prosperity gospels, and human-centered feel-good messages. The true gospel is now called racist, wicked, and divisive. Imagine the idea that Jesus is divisive. Is there any wonder society is in the shape it is in?

Strawberry Jam, Spread it

We, as disciples of Christ, are called to make disciples. We must be disciples of the truth of Christ, not social justice. Jesus, in the great commission, commanded the apostles to make disciples, and Jesus calls us to do the same. Jesus said, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit ."(Matthew 28:19 ESV). Like jam made with fresh strawberries, we should spread the gospel to others, wake those who do not yet know Him, and open their eyes and ears to eternal life. Paul wrote, "For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith." For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth." (Romans1:17-18 ESV).

If you do not fully understand the gospel, learn from those who do. Strive to ensure that the message you give others is the true gospel, not a suppressed version of the truth. Paul was often placed in jail, a repeat offender in our times. Paul was beaten and beheaded because he openly, without remorse, preached the gospel. One thing Paul did not do was sugarcoat the gospel. Sadly, some will never no Christ. But the doctrine of unconditional election gives hope; it does not divide. It gives hope to all who can grasp the gospel. We never know who the elect is, so we, as disciples, must spread the gospel with equal enthusiasm.

Teach the Truth

So what do we do with the son or daughter who no longer loves strawberries, only slushies? We take them back to the strawberry field again, again, and again until real strawberries taste sweet again. The sweet truth of Jesus.

Devotional Prayer

A Prayer for today:

Father God,

Please help me to be strong in faith and accurate in my tongue. Guide me that I may spread the gospel to the nations as you command me to do. Please help me to be courageous in the face of persecution or ridicule. Help me to reflect Christ in all his beauty, splendor, grace, and mercy. In Christ's name, I pray. Amen