Read
John 9:4-5 NIV 
[Jesus said] As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world. 

Reflect 
When we lived in Tanzania, power outages were a regular occurrence. My older children would declare that the transformer that served our compound must have been “on the boat with Columbus.” My youngest son’s first words were in Swahili and he blurted out: “No electricity Mama?” We learned early to make sure that work that needed daylight would be done in the day – if not, it would not get done that day. When night fell it was so dark all work ceased.  

Missionaries and evangelists have been sent throughout the world with the lifesaving, life-giving message of the gospel. Many people have been brought to faith in Jesus through their efforts, but there is much more work to be done. Sadly, in some countries, the open window of opportunity for evangelism is rapidly closing. The gospel is still powerful to save, but anti-Christian governments and cultural movements increasingly hinder the work of those who preach Christ crucified. These missionaries know that they must “work while it is day.” 

Jesus made the most of every opportunity he had while he was on earth. He accomplished everything his Father sent him to do, reaching out to the lost, comforting those who mourned, healing both bodies and souls. And then when the time came, he laid down his life for us so that we might live with him. 

I remember with much clarity and much pain of a man that I went to visit in hospital at my first church. I did not know him. His name was given to me by his friend. We had a good chat and established where each of us were in the area of spiritual life. He was not a believer, but he would “think about it.” I prayed with him and left expecting to see him in a couple of days. On my next visit I learned that he had passed away. I felt that I had missed an opportunity to sharer the good news of Jesus Christ and it changed how I approached other such opportunities. 

Do you know someone who is not yet in the kingdom of God? Someone with just a little faith. The daylight is fading, share your faith before the night comes.  Our time in this world is a lot shorter than any of us realize. The opportunity to speak today may no longer be there tomorrow. Keep in mind the hope and joy you have from knowing what Jesus Christ has done for you. Wouldn’t you want others to have those same blessings? And wouldn’t they appreciate having that peace sooner rather than later? 

Pray 
Dear Lord Jesus, give me the strength to speak to those who need your forgiveness. Give me courage to stand in faith and be your servant. Amen.