Friday: breathing out the gospel
In the last of the series of daily devotionals for this week of Prayer and Fasting, Martins Omosogie helps us to consider how we breath out the gospel.
Mark 16:15 He said to them, “God into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation”
Imagine walking through a lush forest, inhaling the crisp, life-giving air. Now imagine holding your breath, refusing to exhale, until the very act of keeping it in starts to suffocate you. In life, as in nature, what we take in must also be given out. This principle lies at the heart of our spiritual mandate as Christians; to receive the gift of salvation and to share it with a world that desperately needs the same life-giving grace.
In Mark 16:15, Jesus commands, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a divine commission born out of the abundant love and grace we’ve received. Just as our bodies cannot retain oxygen without expelling carbon dioxide, our souls cannot truly thrive by keeping the gift of salvation to ourselves. To withhold it would be selfish, leaving those around us—friends, family, and strangers alike—in spiritual darkness.
The theme breathing out beautifully captures this responsibility. Having breathed in the saving grace of Jesus, we are now called to breathe out His love, proclaiming the gospel boldly and publicly. The Greek word for "preach," kēryxate, means "to proclaim" or "herald" with authority and passion. It’s a call not just to speak, but to declare the gospel with urgency and purpose, ensuring that the light of salvation shines for all to see.
As recipients of God’s unmerited favour, we are tasked with the ministry of reconciliation. The Bible reminds us, “The Lord is patient, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). This is our mission: to step out in love and obedience, bringing the hope of salvation to a dying world.
Let us reflect on this: How can we, who have been redeemed, keep silent while others are lost? The answer is simple—we cannot. The love of Jesus compels us to breathe out His message of grace, life, and eternal hope.
Questions for reflection
Who in your life—whether family, friends, or colleagues—needs to hear the good news of Jesus, and what practical step can you take this week to share it with them?
Are you fully ‘breathing out’ the love and grace of God in your daily life, or are there areas where fear or hesitation are holding you back? What will you do today to boldly proclaim the gospel?