Luke 24:41-48

“and he said to them, ‘Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.’” vss. 46-47

Even with their doubts the disciples believed that the good news of the resurrection had to be shared. Gospel writers made it clear that the message of repentance and forgiveness of sins was to be proclaimed to all nations. And so the disciples went: doubting Thomas to India, denying Peter to Rome, and ultimately the gospel was heard all around the world. Many have relished the stories of faithful missionaries spending their lives at great personal sacrifice to share the Easter story with those who had never heard. Some might think that since so many have been reached, the mission is over and there’s no longer any need for proclamation. That’s a nice thought, but it’s not even close to being true! Instead, what we have discovered is that it only takes one generation for the good news to be lost or forgotten. And if evangelism isn’t on the front burner of our mission, the incentive to share the gospel disappears. Many have stopped sharing their stories of faith–it could be that doubt has tied their tongues–or maybe it’s embarrassment. Whatever the reason, the number of unbelievers is increasing among us–and the call to proclaim belongs to us as much as it belonged to Thomas and Peter.

Thought for the Day: Why is proclamation difficult?