In THEIR cities

by: carole l. haines

When Jesus had finished giving instructions to His twelve disciples, He departed from there to teach and preach in THEIR cities. (John 11:1 NASB)

Sometimes the people we care about the most, are the ones who don’t want to hear about Jesus.  Family members, friends, co-workers; they groan, or roll their eyes often, when we share about what Jesus is doing, has done, and will continue to do in our lives.  It can be so difficult to trust God to reach our loved ones, apart from us, all on His own.  We want to get that “little sermon: in there, in hopes of inspiring them with the Love of God that we ourselves have come to know.  Well, I can relate, completely.  The word “their” jumped out at me from the above verse, as I realized that Jesus specifically went to the cities of the disciples to teach and preach.  God’s love for our loved ones, is far greater than our own.  His word tells us:

Behold, the Lord’s hand is not so short that it cannot save; Nor is His ear so dull that it cannot hear. (Isaiah 59:1 NASB)

We need not fret and worry about our loved ones.  God will provide opportunities, outside of our attempts, to reach our Beloveds.  He cares so deeply for all of mankind.  His Word tells us:

Therefore, the Lord longs to be gracious to you, and therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; How blessed are all those who long for Him.                (Isaiah 30:18 NASB)

And again:  The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9 NASB)

Our Lord is drawing those we love to Himself.  He will provide the right opportunities to share with them.  But He is also using others, in their lives, to reach them as well.  Isn’t it good to know that Jesus has gone to our “cities” to teach and preach His message of love, redemption and salvation.  We can rest in His incredible love for them, as we have experienced this love for ourselves.