S) "26 Therefore do not fear them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 27 What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops. 28 Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."
Matthew 10:26-28 (NASB)
O) Jesus was speaking to His disciples, as He was sending them out for the first time. He commissioned them to spread the gospel, and knew they were embarking on unknown territory. It was going to get a lot tougher for the first century church, but even from the start, He knew there would be fear. He called them to put their minds on His words, not their own fears. He called them to remember the dangerous holiness of God, rather than the dangerous evil of the world. Comparing this passage, to the parable of the talents (see Matthew 25:14-30), we see how seriously God treats this message, and those entrusted with it.
A) So, why is it so hard for me to evangelize? Not with everyone, but there are certainly circumstances that make me very timid, when it comes to speaking about my faith. I've been stretching it, lately, but I still feel some of those fears. The answer isn't to, "just stop being afraid" or to "just be fearless" but rather, to change my focus, to change my fear. Like Jesus said, I need to focus on what the Bible actually says (His words), and remember to fear the LORD, my Maker. Then, I'm not trying to "convince" people, I'm just relaying His message. I'm not worrying about the consequences relative to their response, but I'm celebrating the consequences relative to His response.
P) Father, the beauty of Your gospel plan, is in the simplicity of its delivery. Remind me constantly, that I do not need to be persuasive, but only to tell my testimony. I do not need to have every explanation, I only need the Bible. Help me to remember well, what I read and hear from You, Father God. Then, in boldness, let me speak what I have learned and heard. Help me to embrace the bold spirit You have put inside of me, to the point that I can actually proclaim from housetops! Continue to draw from me, more and more fear of Your holiness. Thank You for Your mercy and grace, LORD. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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