If you are listening to my voice on the radio or reading my blog online, you may have Internet access in your home, a phone, and neighbors close by. Each of us knows someone who needs to hear about Jesus. Each of us has a way – via Internet, phone, or a short walk to tell someone about Jesus.
Question. Do you feel that it is your responsibility to tell someone? Do you feel it’s too personal?
When I was young, I found it awkward to talk about Jesus. Most folks did not bring Him up except at church, and it was hard for me to do it. Up to a certain age, I don’t think that I even realized that I felt that way. I think I just did not even think about telling anyone about Jesus. I’m not sure why. Perhaps I just thought everyone knew about Jesus.
Then I heard these verses.
Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 10:32-33
Question. How far away is not telling from denying? Are we splitting hairs? If we are embarrassed to talk about Jesus, aren’t we pretty close spiritually to denying Him? I mean it would not take much to bump us into that corner would it?
Let’s consider Paul. As Paul was held prisoner, Jesus appeared to him.
And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.
Acts 23:11
Paul is sitting in jail. As soon as he gets out, he’s on his way to Rome to talk up Jesus some more. As a matter of fact, Paul spent a lot of time in prison, but he still talked about Jesus.
The last 3 verses given to us in Matthew were the Great Commission.
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Matthew 28:18-20
If you really believe there is a God, and you really believe that people are dying and going to hell, then how can you believe that your faith in Jesus is too personal to talk about?
LIFE APPLICATION
Today’s challenge is to ask yourself how close you are to denying Christ. Perhaps you are like I was, you don’t deny Him so much as you just don’t talk about Him. Paul did not mind going to jail or even death for his faith. The worst thing we might encounter is a little rejection aimed at Christ. With the Internet, the phone, and lots of neighbors, what excuse do we really have not to share Jesus with others? After all, Jesus made a point of leaving us with that thought before His ascension. We need to make it a priority.