When was the last time you shared the gospel?

For my kids, it was yesterday.  It began as an average day at our local park.  When we go to the park during the week, especially in the morning, we don’t see too many kids their age.  There are a few toddlers and babies and the occasional group of special needs kids or elderly. 

Yesterday, they met 5 year old twins, Katie and Jeremy.  After more than an hour of running around the park, chasing after one another, playing “Prince and Princess,” the 4 of them sat down at a table and  shared some quiet conversation.  I sat on a bench about 30 feet away, half reading my book and observing the calmness that was now present.  I couldn’t really hear their conversation but I thought I heard the word Jesus in there somewhere.  There was a split second where I wanted to get up and eavesdrop on the four of them but instead, I decided to give them some space.  I trust my girls enough to know that their conversation would be innocent and pleasing to the Lord.

The four of them had become fast friends and when it was time to go, they proceeded to “group hug” for another five minutes before we parted ways.  At that very moment, my gut told me to take a picture but I didn’t.  Next time, I’ll listen.

On the way home, I asked the girls, “So what did you guys talk about at the table?”

They told me that they asked the kids if they were Christians and they said, “No.” 

Then they told them about Jesus and what He had done for all of us.  They recited scripture and told them it was all in the bible.  They described how Jesus was nailed to a cross for our sins.  They told them about heaven and how to get there.  They shared the fact that they had prayed to Jesus, asked Him to forgive them of their sins, and come into their hearts.   And then they asked, “Would you like to ask Him into your heart, too?”

Katie and Jeremy both said yes.  And then they prayed with them.

Grace even told me that Jeremy said he couldn’t read yet.  To which she said, “That’s OK.  Just ask your parents to read the bible for you.” (smile)

This story is so amazing to me because in their short little life, we haven’t yet taught them about sharing the gospel with others.  In other words, we’ve never walked them through a potential scenario where they might have the opportunity to lead someone to Christ.  Yet in their own, simple, 5 year-old way, after all the banter and play had settled down, they made a connection and did the one thing that Christ asks of all His disciples.  They shared the gospel, in love. 

As adults, don’t we complicate the gospel sometimes?  How gracious the Lord is to show me this inspiring example!   

Many parents often wonder what their children will be when they grow up—a doctor, a lawyer, a teacher, or a business professional.  I’ve often wondered if my children will go to the ends of the earth, wherever needed, to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with a hopeless world…  it seems they’re on their way.

It turns out Katie and Jeremy were born just a week after the girls.  They’re all turning  six next month.  They were here on vacation and lived in another state.  Although the girls may never see them again here on earth, I assured them that they would all recognize one another at the big park in heaven.