Yet no one was Speaking
Openly of Him...
2004 : Week 3 | Website
Version
In today’s passage, we are confronted with a reality that we might
be facing too often as Christians. We might go to church. We might teach Sunday
school. We might tithe. We might be in choir. We might be reading the Bible
and praying daily, but how often do we fail to speak openly of Jesus Christ,
because of our fears?
In
some parts of the world, it’s the fear of death that causes Christians to remain
silent. The reason for their fear is real, and many Christians are martyred
daily for their belief in Jesus; look no further then the Sudan to see this
occurring. There, our brothers and sisters face persecution; some will not see
tomorrow because they have refused to hide their love for Christ. Others will
hide their love for Jesus, so that they can live a little longer. Living in
the United States, where my life is not in danger for preaching Jesus, I have
no right to belittle those who shudder at the fear of death for their Savior.
I have not had to face this decision. I don’t know how I’d react, and I don’t
know what I’d do.
In my stronger moments, I’d like to believe I could die for my belief in Jesus.
You probably have felt the same. It’s a real feeling, and it’s a real belief,
but it’s easy to say that from the comfort of my home: I say my prayers in my
heated home, with my full belly, well rested and strong. What if I was in prison,
tired, beaten, cold, and hungry and feared for my life? Would my resolve to
die for Jesus still be there, or would it evaporate along with the memories
of my once comfortable life?
How do we do when we face smaller trials for our faith? Do we speak of Jesus
if we could lose friends, family or our status within a certain group? When
those situations arise, are we more concerned with the negative consequences
that might affect us, or do we ‘speak openly of Him’? The root fear that would
lead us to deny our relationship with Jesus Christ, if we could narrow it down
to one word, would probably be loss; we’re scared to lose something. It’s difficult
for us to hear, but anytime we deny Jesus, we’ve chosen something over Him.
Our choice to follow Jesus is no guarantee of a life without pain, sorrow, suffering
and tribulation. It is, however, a guarantee that God is always with us to see
us through difficulties. This should give us courage and help us to ‘speak openly
of Him’ when we know we should. Perhaps we can start by declaring our faith
daily. Maybe the next time we talk to our friends from high school we’ll tell
them what Jesus has done in our lives instead of hiding it. Maybe the next time
our unsaved family members ask us how we spend our time, we’ll share with them
what we do in church and our love for Jesus.
We might never be tested to the point of our physical death for our faith in
Jesus; then again, some of us might; only God knows that. However, we will be
tested daily and have opportunities to tell of His love for us. Whatever we
encounter, let’s rest in Him knowing that He will provide the strength to overcome
what we face,
…for He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE
YOU,"
Daniel, Moses, Abraham, David, Elijah, Ester and others believed that God would
be there for them and He was. In your time if trial, Jesus will be there for you
as well. He will be as real to you as He was to Daniel in the fiery furnace; therefore
speak openly of Him.
6 so that we confidently say, "THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT
BE AFRAID. WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?"
Hebrews 13:5-6 (NASB)
May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you today and always…
John 7:11-13
11 So the Jews were seeking Him at the feast and were saying, "Where is He?"
12 There was much grumbling among the crowds concerning Him; some were saying, "He is a good man"; others were saying, "No, on the contrary, He leads the people astray."
13 Yet no one was speaking openly of Him for fear of the Jews.
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