Fanning the Flame of Good News

Ancient Manuscript: Gospel of Thomas

Saying:  10

My Reflection on Verse:

We can compare this saying to the process of planting.  In the past the first step of clearing the field involved setting the field on fire.  The fire then would burn down the brush that was left over after the plants were picked.  The fire would be a very controlled burn because the farmer would keep a close eye on it.  The fire would be contained in a certain area until all of the field’s leftovers were burned. Then the field would be ready to be planted.

The fire that was started for the harvest of Christians came with the birth of Jesus.  Jesus’s birth was the preparation for the harvest.  Without the birth there would be nothing to be harvested later.  The birth of Jesus led to the ministry, death and resurrection.  All of these would lead to the great harvest of Christians.

Jesus is the farmer who was watching the fire.  He was making sure that the right information was shared to those that would listen.  Jesus taught those around him so that they would have the knowledge that they would need.  Just like the farmer is able to increase the flaming in one area Jesus was able to flame the Good news.

The death of Jesus is what contained the flame.  Those that had walked with Jesus would soon come to understand what Jesus had been teaching them.  They would come to understand that Jesus had to die for them to be saved.  He wasn’t dying in vain instead he was dying so that we would understand what we truly needed in our life.

Jesus is watching the fire that was started now that he has risen from the grave.  The resurrection led to the overseeing of those that would spread the word.  Jesus is able to help those that came to accept his gift of everlasting life. The Resurrection is the part of the story that we have to understand is the step needed to make sure that the fire would not just distinguish.  Now the fire is spreading in a very controlled and methodical way.

We as Christians are responsible for the next stage of the fire.  That is taking it throughout the land so others can come to know Jesus as their personal Savior.  We know the Gospel and we need to share it to those that need to hear it.

Questions:

We have to answer this question what happens if we do not spread the Good News?  Who in our life do we need to share the story with?  What would have happened to us if we were never told the story of Jesus?