Devotional Focus: The Right to Hear the Gospel

“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12, ESV

Rights are important. In the United States, citizens are guaranteed certain “inalienable rights,” which, by definition, are rights according to natural law that cannot be taken away, denied, or transferred. Thomas Jefferson spelled out some of those in the Declaration of Independence—the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The U.S. Constitution includes the Bill of Rights among which are freedom of religion, freedom of speech, the freedom to assemble, and many others. These are important. Yet they pale into insignificance compared to the right expressed in John 1:12—the right to become children of God. That is the fundamental right of every human being on the planet.
 

Understanding and acknowledging that every human has the right to know Jesus presents an important responsibility to every follower of Jesus Christ. Simply put, we have to let people know about Jesus and provide opportunity for them to receive Him as Lord and Savior. While that can be done in a variety of ways, the important thing is that we take seriously the mandate to let them know. So, rather than condemn, criticize, or avoid people who do not know Christ, may we always view them as people who have the right to know Him and then consider how we can help make that happen. There is nothing more rewarding or pleasing to the Father than helping someone claim the greatest right that anyone can receive.

John Maempa