"Eudokia", More Than A Notion.

'Eudokia' is divinely instilled good will, and favor. In Paul's writing the intensity of his care for Israel shows in his prayer that, front and center, they need salvation. The intensity of his care extends to those apart from his tribe, acknowledging how the Lord is conditionally rich towards all, the all who call upon Him. These shall be saved. Logically then, his fervent prayer is for the unsaved to come to Christ, to hear the gospel and turn from death to life. 'Let none leave [this life] unwarned or be unprayed for!'

And we see that Paul, for all of the accounts, was not just a messianic theorist, but rather he lived the life and showed how personal revival behaves..inviting of us the same. He showed his heart's desire, and most foundational prayer. He showed Eudokia! He moved upon the call to be light, and to show love.

Do we weep for the unsaved? Do we yearn for their salvation, such that we say 'Give me souls or I die!' Even for those near us, even nearest us, do they hear from us what we say is so precious, above all else? This conduct obviously exceeds being a 'church member'. This praying exceeds being a routine. This is 'first responder' stuff, passionate, prevailing and available to be ramped up. Are we hot to trot, or simply lukewarm? Which pleases God?
I saw what I believe was 'eudokia' pop up on the corner of Falls Road and Cold Spring Lane one afternoon. There we were wrapping up our ministering at that intersection where many of the student body of Poly-Western HS would exit for home, either on foot or towards the bus stops. A young woman, a student, dressed in a cadet's uniform began to enter the street, one foot on the curb and one in the street. The traffic had stopped, obedient to the rules of driving near a school, though with the 'green light' it could be fast and heavy. [or maybe the traffic paused for another reason] The question which interrupted her brisk pace was 'Care for a gift?' To which she turned, recognized the pocket sized Bible being offered, and electrically proclaimed, “This is just what I needed!” Then she sprinted, almost recklessly, across the street to a cluster of her friends, creating quite a buzz, as we could still hear her saying “It's just what I need!”  They all surrounded her with curiosity as she maintained the little Bible in her hand, held high. I was reminded of the Statue of Liberty, as I watched her, and the scripture which hails from Psalm 119, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

No doubt that there was some 'eudokia' mixed within that cluster of friends. While the gospel was not quite directly shared in that instance with her, the perfect witness of God's word was at Work: "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, SO SHALL MY WORD BE THAT GOES FORTH FROM MY MOUTH; IT SHALL NOT RETURN TO ME VOID, BUT IT SHALL ACCOMPLISH WHAT I PLEASE, AND IT SHALL PROSPER IN THE THING FOR WHICH I SENT IT." Isaiah 55:8-11

When did you last 'run' into that familiar throng of friends and family upholding the Word of life as an utter need? When did you last interrupt the commonest chatter with one, or some, to introduce Jesus? Might today be that day? If not, why not? When did you last engage that soul again, whose 'walls' seem perfect? Consider this as a conversational icebreaker... and let God be God. He alone saves.

“Hi [friend]. I'm not sure if we'll speak again, not even sure if I'll be alive tomorrow. We notice daily and know that life can turn on a dime. That said, may I share with you something that I think is exceedingly important while I can? Jesus is the answer to the flaw which we all have inherited, and have variably polished and kept. He came and died for inward and outward sins toward God, to be Mercy on our behalf, before a holy God. Anyone can freely accept what God has brought before us as Mercy. We benefit when we believe in Him. Have you? [Will you consider Him today?] If you confess with your words Jesus as Lord, and believe sincerely that God raised Him from the grave for your sins, you shall be saved, counted as part of God's family believing on His Son. Will you accept Him into your life now? Are you open to receive His heart for you? [Lets pray...if 'yes'] [How may I pray for you...if 'no']

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for Your loving invitation: "Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you---The sure mercies of David." Thank You Lord, for Your extreme care. Lord, save my own 'Israel' I pray. May Your name be blessed above all. Every praise is due our God! Glory Hallelujah! Amen. Thank You Jesus! Amen.
By Dea. McNeal Brockington