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Intention

To stir us to rejoicingly go and tell others the greatest good news – even our neighbours across the fence.

Scripture

“How, then, can they call on him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about him? And how can they hear without a preacher?”

– Romans 10:14

Reflection

Sam and Charlie had been friends for almost 30 years. Sam loved motorbikes and Charlie was content to hit out on the tennis court.

Back when Sam was in his teens, another of his friends told him about the love of God. The friend also told him about hell, and how Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross could save Sam from going there.

All Sam needed to do was confess with his mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in his heart that God raised him from the dead, and he would be saved (Romans 10:9). He gladly accepted this good news.

Much time passed by.

Sam got a job and bought a motorbike. He often rode it to the tennis courts to have a game with his mate, Charlie.

One day, after their match, Sam headed home, but he never arrived. A truck went through a stop sign, and Sam was killed instantly.

At the same time, Charlie was putting his tennis gear away in his locker. He reached up with his racket in hand and then fell to the ground. A heart attack ended his life.

Both Sam and Charlie arrived at heaven’s door at the same time. They heard singing and great celebration. St Peter approached them. He had a big smile on his face as he said, “Come on in, Sam, and enter the joy of your Lord”.

Charlie started to follow, but Peter stopped him. Sorry, you can’t come in. “Why not?”, Charlie asked, peering longingly through heaven’s door and being drawn by what he saw and heard. “You can’t enter,” Peter continued, “because you did not choose to ask Jesus to forgive you while you lived on earth. So, you have to go down through that other door.”

As Charlie looked to where St Peter was pointing, he saw the word “Hell” above the door. Then he heard the screaming and gnashing of teeth, and the stench of death. In horror he turned to his mate Sam and screamed, “WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL ME?”

Video

Prayer

Jesus, You said to Your disciples in John 4:34–36, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.”

You told them they must not say, “There are still four more months, and then comes the harvest?”

Instead, You commanded them, “Listen to what I’m telling you: Open your eyes and look at the fields, because they are ready for harvest. The reaper is already receiving pay and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that the sower and reaper can rejoice together.”

Lord Jesus, whether I sow or reap, help me to take this truth to heart and mind: this a joyous work. Open my eyes to see the harvest field before me.

Help me to bring in the harvest, and rejoice, for your glory.

Author Bio

Ian is a lay Care Pastor at Victory Church, Maryborough Queensland, a member of the International Network of Churches. Together with his wife Beryl, they run a small intercessors group, and also a 55+ year old bunch called “Legends”. Ian is the father of two children and has two wonderful grandsons.

Prayer Points for GO Month to Pentecost 2025

1. Five friends to trust in Christ and to share the gospel with those five in May. Matthew 28:19–20

2. Repentance, revival and reformation in Australia and for millions to believe in Jesus Christ. Luke 24:47

3. A Church that grows in extravagant love for God and people. 2 Corinthians 5:14–15

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