What does to the "ENDS OF THE EARTH" mean to you? In today's writing we look at the meanings people place on it, and what it means when we see it used by God.
Blessings,
Jan
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Today's Devotional:
"ENDS OF THE EARTH"
by
Jan Andersen
Jan Andersen
“To the ends of the earth” means to the farthest reaches of the entire globe, to every corner of every nation. It also has been used more recently to mean that someone would do anything in their power to do something, out of devotion to a person or a cause.
How far would you go for someone you love? Idealistically, many of us would say as far as we possibly could. Realistically, we might limit that with some caveat, like “As long as…” or “It depends on…” So, as long as it doesn’t hurt us too much, or cost us too much, or it depends on if they love me back and so forth.
How far does God go for those He loves? He seeks us out when we are lost and doesn’t rest until we are found. He loves everyone, even those who reject Him, and wants all to be saved. God the Father sent Jesus, his only Son, to earth to be unjustly tortured and hung on a cross in our place. Jesus died and rose again to eternal life so that we too might live eternally with him in heaven. Jesus went to the very ends of the earth and beyond for all!
How far does God want us to go with his Word, not just for those we love but for our enemies as well? He told his disciples (and therefore us) to go and make disciples of ALL nations, baptizing them in the name of the Triune God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - and teaching them his commands. That means to everyone on any continent, every nation, all races, far away and just around the corner, friends and foes… to the ends of the earth!
Matthew 28:16-20 (NIV) The Great Commission
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Today is Trinity Sunday for many Christian churches, celebrating the Triune God, and the above verses are the Gospel for today. May we all try to reach out to others in love and understanding, especially in these difficult times in our nation and around the world. There is no time like the present to share God’s love and forgiveness, to the ends of the earth!
Almighty God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we thank you for freely planting faith in our hearts through our baptism and teaching us your commands through your Word. Help us to share these things with everyone everywhere, to the ends of the earth, so that all may praise your holy name! In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
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Song:
"To The Ends Of The Earth For Love"
YWAM Kona Prayer Room
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"To The Ends Of The Earth For Love"
YWAM Kona Prayer Room
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"You will be my witnesses... to the ends of the earth."
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Prayers are lifted up daily for you by the Devotional Writers
and the Monthly Writing Staff of Women's Focus Ministries.
Blog Writers
Sandy Billingham, Carol Steficek,
Brother Thomas Ukwute, Jody Ward, Cathy Friberg,
Jan Andersen and Corinne Mustafa
Occasional Contributors
Kathy Bireley, Terri Baker
Kathy Bireley, Terri Baker
Lynda Kinnard, Beverley Napier,
Amie Spruiell, Linda Garrett, and Lisabeth Lipp
God's love is so wonderful. As human beings it is very hard for us to realize how much God does love us. I am so thankful to Him. When everything else around us seems to fall apart we have one constant and that is God. What a wonderful article. Thank you.
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