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`You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about me.” Matthew 10:18 (NLT)
THE LORD CALLS US TO BE HIS HANDS AND FEET, to speak truth to power, to defend the Gospel.
This is more than just a parade of words, a familiar litany of cliches. It is an incredible truth.
As we go about our daily lives, how many of us consider God’s instructions to “teach[ ] them to observe everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20a CSB)? We might “understand” this in our adult Bible study, but do we live it out once we emerge from the classroom?
Jesus, the Messiah, the Holy One of God, calls on each of His followers to trumpet the Good News of Salvation to a darkened and hostile world.
How best to do it?
- 1. Be prayed in,
- 2. Be immersed in God’s Holy Word.
Hear now the words of theologian and writer Robert A. Cook:
“Hide God’s Word in your heart, and you will find yourself speaking of it, living by it, illustrating its truth by your character and conduct, and, in general, having a highly effective witness as a result.”
—Robert A. Cook, Now That I Believe, (Moody Publishers, Chicago. 1949, 1977)
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HOW COULD MERE MORTALS like ourselves be empowered to share the Gospel with others, who may not even be interested in hearing it? Hear again Cook’s words: “Always remember that your one business as a Christian is to aid in completing the evangelization of the world.”
That is, we are called by God, Himself, to share the Word by evangelizing. Also, we are called by God to witness through our actions and good deeds. Jesus tells us (Matt. 5:16 NKJV) to “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Cook assures us that we, in Christ, are more than able to handle the task. “You may as well face the facts: If you’re born again, you are a different person.”
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THE BIBLE AFFIRMS THAT TRUTH.
“Therefore, if anyone [is] in Christ, [he is] a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)
We need to claim God’s promises for our lives. We need to accept His faithfulness. When He says He will be with us, and He will not abandon us, we need to believe that.
Meditate on these verses:
- Deut. 31:6 (NKJV): “The LORD your God, He [is] the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you”;
- Matt. 28:20 (NET): “Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age”;
- John 14:18 (NIV): “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”
Our God is faithful. He will not abandon us. He will give us the words to say. He will shower us with His love.
Even more so, He has commanded us to do so (Acts 1:8 CSB):
“You will be my witnesses.”
PRAYER
Our Lord and Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness. Thank You, Lord Jesus, 
that You are with us always. You will show us when to speak a word from the Lord into someone’s life. You will guide our hearts so that our actions will honor You. You will guard our hearts from the evil one, so that we will win every battle. In the end, Lord, You win, You reign forever and ever. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray. Amen
Questions for Personal Meditation and Discussion:
1. Does the idea of being called by the Creator of the universe to witness for Him fill your heart with dread or does it fill your heart with awe that He has chosen *you* to be His instrument to spread His light to a sin-filled world?
2. Do you have difficulty believing that He will step in and help you navigate the waters of disbelief, that He can use you with your specific gifts and strengths, your connections, your opportunities to further His Kingdom? If so, have you prayed for faith and discernment around this issue?
3. If you have been faithful, have you seen the fruit of your efforts, sometimes immediately but more often over time? When you do, have you given Him the credit, knowing that only the Holy Spirit can open hearts and draw people to the Heavenly Father?
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