A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

THOSE WHO RECEIVE CHRIST’S MESSENGERS AND THEIR MESSAGE WILL BE SAVED      

Matthew 10:40-42 “Anyone who welcomes you welcomes Me, and anyone who welcomes Me welcomes the One who sent Me. Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.” 

To live the life of a disciple of Jesus is to live a life of eternal significance. Giving the righteousness a disciple has received to others is the greatest gift a person can give. In spreading the good news of God’s love for sinners through His Son Jesus, a disciple gives the gift of eternal significance. It endures forever. 

Whether a pastor or lay Christian, it is the message of the Gospel through which the Holy Spirit works to bring those that hear it to faith in Jesus. That faith that is generated by the Holy Spirit is more precious than gold or silver. Jesus called the message of the gospel a treasure. He further said that nothing in this earth can destroy it. (See Matthew 6:20)   

Christ’s sent ones, His messengers, Pastors and laity alike, have this saving message to deliver to the people of the world. Through them and the message they proclaim the Holy Spirit will work to bring the hearers to faith in Jesus. It is that faith alone that will lay hold of the forgiveness of sins, eternal life and salvation Jesus came into the world to earn and win through His life, death on Calvary’s cross and Easter resurrection. 

You are never on your own when you speak the saving message of the gospel to family, friend or even stranger. Jesus promises to go out with you and to send the Holy Spirit to work through the Good News you deliver to move the hearers of your words to believe them. Jesus’ words at the end of Matthew’s gospel specifically say, “I am with you always and will be to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20) 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, grant that my life be all about You so that those with whom I associate with will learn of You through me. In Your holy name. Amen. 

Hark the voice of Jesus crying, “Who will go and work today?  
Fields are white and harvests waiting Who will bear the sheaves away?”  
Loud and long the Master calleth; Rich reward He offers Thee.  
Who will answer, gladly saying, “Here am I, send me, send me”? 

If you cannot speak like angels, If you cannot preach like Paul,  
You can tell the love of Jesus, You can say He died for all.  
If you cannot rouse the wicked With the judgment’s dread alarms,  
You can lead the little children To the Savior’s waiting arms. 

If you cannot be a watchman, Standing high on Zion’s wall,  
Pointing out the path to heaven, Offr’ing life and peace to all,  
With your prayers and with your bounties   
You can do what God commands;  
You can be like faithful Aaron, Holding up the prophet’s hands. 

Let none hear you idly saying, “There is nothing I can do,”  
While the multitudes a4re dying And the Master calls for you.  
Take the task He gives you gladly, Let His work your pleasure be;  
Answer quickly when He calleth, “Here am I, send me, send me!”  

Hark, the Voice of Jesus Crying // LSB 826