Verse of the day: I have a lot of people in this city. (Acts 18. 10)
These words should be a great incentive to try to do the right thing, since the Lord has among the vilest of the wicked, the most reprobate, the most displeased and drunk, people who must be saved. When you bring the Word to them, you are doing it because God has commanded you to be the messenger of life for these souls, and they must receive it, because that is how the predestination decree is executed. They are redeemed by the blood of Christ, just like the saints who now stand before the Eternal Throne. They are owned by Christ, although, perhaps, they are still people who love bars and hate holiness. If Jesus Christ bought them, they will be His. God is not unfaithful enough to forget the price his Son paid. He will not tolerate that the vicarious sacrifice of Jesus is ineffective, unnecessary. Thousands upon thousands of the redeemed have yet to be regenerated, but they must be. It is our comfort as we try to reach them with the life-giving Word. Furthermore, Christ prays before the throne for these wicked ones. “I pray not only for these”, said the great Intercessor, “but also for those who come to believe me, by their word” (John 17:20). Poor, ignorant souls who don’t know anything about prayer for themselves? the Lord Jesus prayed for them. Their names are found on his priestly stole; and soon they will have to bend their rebellious knees, speaking words of repentance before the throne of grace. Isn’t it [time] for the figs? (Mark 11:13). The predestined moment did not fail; when he arrives, they will obey him, because God will have his own. They will have to obey, because the Holy Spirit will not resist when He comes with all His power. Will your people show up voluntarily on the day of your power? (Psalm 110. 3). ? Will you see the fruit of your soul’s hard work and? Will it justify many? (Isaiah 53. 11). “I will give him as much as his share, and he will share the spoils with the powerful?” (Isaiah 53:12).