April 30, James 5:19-20

Do you have any loved ones or friends who are not Christians or are Christians who have strayed away from the faith? Are you concerned for them?

Why do people not believe in Jesus Christ? James says that they do not know the truth and deviate from the correct way. They turn from God and believe in the wrong things. Paul says in 2 Cor 4:4 that “ In whom the __________ of this __________ hath blinded the minds of them which believe not,” This person is Satan himself. Non-Christians are bound by Satan. Man-made ways cannot rescue them. Only Jesus can save them. God’s truth can free them.

Here is a story about Mr Smith. When he was young, he was taught the Bible by his mother. His mother had filled his memory with Bible verses. As an adult, he gave up his Christian faith and married an unbeliever. They later had a son named Tommy. Tommy had a nanny who told him a little about God.

Once, Tommy was scolded by the nanny and his parents for being naughty. While lying on the bed, he suddenly burst into tears. His father went to him quickly and asked what the matter was. The boy said that he did not want his sins in a book. The nanny said God wrote down all his sins in a big book, the boy added. Was the nanny correct? Answer: __________.

Suddenly, Mr Smith remembered the truths of the Bible that his mother had so faithfully taught him when he was a child. Comforting his son, the father said God could wipe away all their sins for Christ’s sake. Both father and son knelt down to pray. Mr Smith had never really prayed in his life before that.

After praying, happy Tommy shot another question, “Daddy, with what did God wipe away our sins? A sponge?” The Holy Spirit was applying the truth into Mr Smith’s heart and he replied, “Tommy, not with a sponge, but only with the blood of Jesus Christ who died for sinners”. Mr Smith went on to explain how God forgives our sins. Finally, Tommy was satisfied and fell asleep. Mr Smith was himself led to the truth he had long rejected.

Thought: How does God wipe away sins?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the truths recorded in the Bible and for saving us by the blood of Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
(Story adapted from ‘How God Used a Thunderstorm’ by J R Beeke & D Kleyn)