so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.  – Matt. 5:45

This verse came up in our Adult Bible Study on Wednesday and it has been on my mind since.  I guess because I recently also read Malachi 4:2 “But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. “  This notion of the sun rising on all – that God’s gifts are for everyone – is what has provoked thought.  

This idea is really brought home because,  we often think about God’s greatest gift - Jesus’ death and resurrection that saves us all – as being only for Christians.  Well, it isn’t.  The Bible is very clear Christ died for all.  God wants all to be saved.

But many walk away from that salvation.  Many, released from the bondage of sin, decide they like the bondage better.  I am reminded of men and women who get out of prison who immediately commit another crime just so they can go back to prison.  It is where they are comfortable, where they feel safe.  Well, prison is not safe, and neither is a sinful life.

Christ has died to free everyone.  Let us not rest until everyone has heard this wonderful news.  And let us help those that Jesus has saved realize their life is now with him and not back in the bondage of their sin.

We pray – Dearest Jesus, that you for dying for us all!  Help us to show others that You have died for them also.  In Your holy Name we pray. - Amen