AUGUST 23

Acts 4:12

Bob’s mother pulled up to the curb in front of the church.“How was the Junior Worship group today?” she asked as Bob climbed into the car. “Good,” replied Bob. “We had a missionary speaker. He showed us how to witness to someone.”

“Well, don’t start preaching to me,” said Mom. “I don’t want to hear it.”She eased the car into the traffic. “I’m doing fine on my own,” she added. “But, Mom,” said Bob, “the only way to heaven is through Jesus. We need to have our sins forgiven.” Mom turned a corner. “Bobby, if God is a good God – like your Bible says – then He’ll let good people into heaven. That just makes sense. Life hasn’t been easy for me: your dad lost his job; your grandma just died; and I have just been diagnosed with kidney weakness. It seems unfair. I’ve not harmed anyone, I’m a good housewife! That should count for something!”

Bobby sighed. “Mom, what counts is what God says. He says nobody is good enough for heaven and that you need to believe in His son, Jesus.” Mom sighed. “I told you, I don’t want to be preached to,” she said. She was quiet for the rest of the drive home.

It was raining when Bob and his mom got out of the car. They ran in the rain to their ground-floor house. Mom grabbed her keys and headed for the door. “Hurry, Mom. I’m getting wet!” exclaimed Bob as she fumbled with the keys. “I can’t get the key in the lock,” said Mom. “Here, hold my purse.” She handed her purse to Bob and tried to stab the key into the lock again, but it didn’t fit. “Mom, do you have the right key?” asked Bob. Mom looked at the key in her hand. “Oops! This is the wrong key!” she exclaimed. She found the right key and turned the lock.

When Bob and his mother were warm and dry again, she laughed. “I can’t believe I was trying to open the door to my own house with the wrong key!” she said. “Mom,” said Bob quietly, “you’re trying to do the same thing with God. You’re trying to get into heaven by your own goodness. That’s the wrong key!” Mom was startled. This time she didn’t protest as Bob again told her that she needed to trust in Jesus.

Thought: Perhaps a loved one– a parent or close relative – is not saved? Fret not, pray and ask God for wisdom on how to witness to this loved one.

Prayer: Teach me, Heavenly Father, how to witness to a loved one. Remind me never to use my own strength or wisdom, but to pray a lot before I even start to talk about You. This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.