Yet no one was Speaking Openly of Him...
2004 : Week 3  |  Printer Friendly 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,"
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)

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.

May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you today and always…



Printer Friendly Version

Archives  |  Tell Your Friends  |  Submit a Devotion