“Wow, is that spreading fast!”
Hasn’t that been said often in California, where wildfires have recently ravaged large areas of that state? The 2018 fires in Butte County of northern California spread particularly fast. They spread at a rate of 80 acres/minute. That’s the equivalent of burning an entire football field every second!
There are many ways that a wildfire could ignite. It could get started because of a discarded cigarette butt, a lawnmower riding over a big rock, or a simple spark from a car. It could ignite because of a downed power line that lands on a tree. Or it could ignite simply because of lightning. Regardless of how a wildfire starts, once it starts spreading, it’s difficult to contain. Dry conditions and wind gusts keep the flames spreading, and spreading, and spreading.
It’s terrifying when a wildfire spreads quickly. But what about when relief from the Lord spreads quickly? Share Christ’s peace…and unresolved guilt dissolves more and more and more. Spread Christ’s forgiveness…and fear of Judgment Day is squeezed away further and further and further. When wicked people attack, kill them with kindness – and watch their hostility melt before your very eyes.
It isn’t just disaster that can spread rapidly. So can divine truth. So take this Scripture verse to heart today: “Pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith (2 Thessalonians 3:1-2).”
Then, share the peace you have found! And ask God to spread it rapidly.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, teach me to love others as you have loved me. Give me opportunities to share your Word, that I might spread your love and joy like wildfire no matter where I go, and no matter what I do. Give me confidence that spreading your Word like wildfire is the best thing that could ever happen to anyone. It’s in your holy name that I pray, Amen.
Nathan Buege
Pastor, Victory of the Lamb Lutheran Church
Katy, TX
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