JESUS SPEAKING
“Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Mathew 10: 29-31.)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
Jesus Christ has commanded every believer to boldly preach the gospel. Some who are obedient will be despised and rejected; many will be ridiculed and threatened; and still others may even face death. No matter the consequence, the faithful must never remain silent. Those who fear man cannot obey God, for man may kill the body, but God has the power to condemn the soul for all eternity. Remaining faithful is a difficult task; but it is also an essential one.
In the sixth century B.C., three young Jewish men feared God more than man. A powerful King named Nebuchadnezzar had resurrected a large golden statue in his own likeness. On the day it was unveiled he called together the rulers of the provinces and the peoples of every nation; they were then commanded to bow down and worship his image. The multitudes were warned that anyone who refused would be burned alive. Still, three faithful believers named Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego rejected the order (choosing to offend the king rather than to anger God.) In turn, they were bound hand and foot and cast into a fiery furnace. As the king watched he saw a fourth person accompanying them in the flames; someone who protected them; a man who looked like the ‘Son of God.’ When the boys emerged from the furnace unharmed, the king pardoned them and proclaimed the awesome power of the one true and living God. Much like Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego, the apostles remained faithful to the end. Many were beaten, humiliated, imprisoned and tortured because they refused to remain silent. Eventually, eleven of the twelve disciples were put to death for the sake of the gospel. Although they perished for the faith, they are not dead; they are alive with Christ, in His eternal kingdom.
Every disciple is called to boldly preach the gospel; to speak the truth in love no matter the consequence. Today many are suffering persecution in foreign countries, where Christians are being attacked and beheaded; in communist countries they are being imprisoned and tortured. In the United States, we have less to fear; and yet we must continue to tell others that Jesus loves them. May we find the courage to speak out today; sharing the gospel with our friends and family. We can also present the message to our neighbors, coworkers, and acquaintances. For when we honor God, God will honor us; and we will walk in eternal fellowship with Him in His glorious Kingdom.
“Heavenly Father, take away our fear of death and our fear of others; may we fear only You. May Your words and Your message burn within our hearts; may the gospel freely flow from our lips; that we might share in eternal life with all those who have been persecuted and put to death for the faith. Also, provide us with opportunities to share your truth with others in love. We thank You Father, we praise You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!
Jesus Speaks 