Daily Companion  | 5 October

BLOOD IN YOUR HAND 

When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. - Ezekiel 33:8

And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. - Jude 1:22-23

A Jewish Christian, Michael Brown authored the book, "Our Hands Are Stained With Blood”. He decried what he described as ‘Christian persecution of Jews’, arguing that Christians are largely unaware of the Jews' suffering throughout the ages. Deploring the Christian distortion of Judaism (Jewish Orthodox), the book highlights the Jewish roots of Jesus and the apostles as well as the positive parts of Judaism. Brown urges Christians to treat Jews with compassion rather than hostility. He holds a strong faith that the Judaistic Jews will ultimately accept Jesus as their Messiah someday. He positions that Satan is the author of the anti-Semitic mentality and when Christians ignore the Jews, they are listening to Satan rather than God. 

Brown's observation is not limited to the Jews but the world all over. The born-again gospellers often ignore or despise the orthodox believers. Sometimes they don't even want to have anything to do with them. Even in their pains, we are tempted to think it is a deserved punishment from God. Oh how wrong we are! Their death without Christ will be blood in your hands. 

We are exhorted to preach with love and ensure we make a distinction from the prevailing prejudices. We are aware all Christians all over the world worship the same God though they may not have repented and converted through the atoning power of Jesus Christ. But they remain our first neighbour we should save from eternal death. They are the 'house of Israel' Christ purposely came for. We should carry on from where Christ and the apostles left it for us.

As you step out today, preach with compassion to the unconverted around you; first to your household, to the sinners, the wicked and nominal Christians equally. Everyone needs compassion, and love that is not failing. If you fail to tell them about Jesus, their blood is in your hands. 

Today's Recite: "Surely for your lifeblood, I will demand a reckoning... From the hand of every man’s brother I will require the life of man." - Genesis 9:5 (NKJV)

Today’s Morning Prayers: O Lord our God, I come to you guilty as charged. Forgive me for the neglect of my duty to preach to and warn the unconverted around me. I ask for Your grace and empowerment to do the needful onward in Jesus' name. Amen!

Today’s Hymn: RESCUE THE PERISHING

Today’s ReadMe:  John 4 - 6