When Jesus died, the Bible shows that it wasn’t His disciples that got His body for burial. This wasn’t because they weren’t righteous enough, but they didn’t have the influence. Joseph of Arimathaea, a highly respected member of the Jewish Council, was the one who got the body of Jesus. What does that tell you? It shows that if you’re not a man or woman of influence, you really can’t speak for the "body of Jesus"; that means you can’t speak for the body of Christ.

 

It reminds of what the Scripture teaches about the "poor wise man"; his wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard: "Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man. Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard" (Ecclesiastes 9:15-16). The poor Church will never be able to speak for the body of Christ; it’s only the Church with influence that’ll speak for the body of Christ!

 

Thanks be unto God, the knowledge of the Word is growing and prevailing all over the world, and the Church is marching on triumphantly in glory. We have the voice and the means to saturate the earth with the knowledge of the glory of God as the waters cover the sea. As we continue in the Word of God, teaching and living by every principle of His infallible Word, our influence in the earth will be such that can’t be resisted.

 

No matter how nice you are; no matter how much you believe in Jesus—no influence, no voice. Therefore, make up your mind to be influential for the Gospel. By that, I mean, let your prosperity result in the spread of the Gospel around the Word. As a ministry, we’re publishing and distributing Bibles, books, and other Christian materials to millions all over the world. Be a part of this. Put your money where it counts. Our free distribution of "Rhapsody of Realities," for example, has brought hope to many lives and helped to rekindle the embers of faith amongst other believers in distant lands. Join us today in making a greater impact for the Gospel.