”Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea.“
Acts 8:40, NIV.
Philip spoke the gospel truth wherever he went. He knew the truth and wanted others to know it as well. His passion for obeying Matthew 28 was commendable.
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age,”
Matthew 28:18-20, NIV.
Have we stopped speaking the truth to others? Have we stopped teaching others to obey God’s commandments? Have we slipped away into our cozy rooms, trying to keep the truth safe or protected? Or are we embarrassed by God’s truth?
Have we jumped on the cultural bandwagon of—
“It’s my truth, I don’t need to share it, I’ll keep it private and hold on to it personally.” Yet, all we ended up doing was burying the truth.
We didn’t keep it safe, we killed it. Truth is not something one buries or attempts to protect. It’s as powerful as light. Once turned on, there’s no mistaking it. Philip knew this and shared, telling whoever would listen, the truth.
Truth is what sets us free! Truth is the standard for by which we strive. Truth is reality when it’s God’s truth.
Man’s truths are like shifting sand.
Remember when man’s scientific belief was that the earth is flat? That was man’s truth at one time.
Another truth we talk ourselves into is to be devoted to your spouse until “divorce do us part…” again, that's man’s truth.
God’s truth has never failed. It has been available for all mankind throughout the ages, easily understood by children and discussed by philosophers. God’s truth changed the trajectory of the human race—sin was defeated, new life is offered.
So, why are we so hesitant to share this good news? We see people all the time who could benefit from such life-changing truth. Depression could use hope, guilt could use forgiveness, pride could use humility.
Why do we hold back truth by tucking it away believing it’s just for us, but not for others?
Do we not like the people around us? Do we believe that they should pay for their own sins?
Are we embarrassed by it? "What will others think of me if I stand on the side of God’s truth?"
Are we embarrassed that we have discovered freedom from sin?
Most of us are either afraid of saying the wrong thing or afraid of what man will do to us or think about us if we venture out of our safe place and open our mouths.
Fear is a powerful swayer of the truth.
But in reality, the truth sets us free, whereas fear binds us to our old ways and our dead life.
But there’s hope for us who shy away from speaking truth—God is for us and not against us.
”The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies," Psalm 118:6-7, NIV.
”When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? “ Psalm 56:3-4, NIV.
What CAN man do to us? Outside of pain, embarrassment and rejection? Nothing of eternal value. Man cannot take truth away from you, unless you choose to give it up.
Are you afraid of what to say or getting it wrong? God has taken care of this as well:
"But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time, you will be given what to say, “Matthew 10:19, NIV.
Did you know when Jesus spoke these words, He knew speaking truth was going to be costly? In fact, it still is. The enemy, Satan, wants to hurt God and so has set out to deceive us all with untruths. If he can get us to believe in his lies over God’s truths, he thinks he will win.
Powerful people and many not so powerful people base their whole lives on these lies. They don’t want God’s truth to be set free. So, they do what they can to keep us quiet.
But God’s whole plan depends on us, His children, speaking the truth!
”Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age,” Matthew 28:18-20, NIV.
Are we ready to speak the truth today?
Father,
Thank You for choosing us to help spread the good news, the gospel of Jesus, to others. In reality, we’re not very good at it. Forgive us for dropping the ball on one of Your most important commandments— “to go and continue My work.”
You understand us so well. Thank You for Your word as it encourages us to do what’s right.
I, for one, need to be reminded that You are with me always. I have more confidence when we walk together. Knowing You are beside me; I feel safe.
Help me to see and love those around me enough that I share Your truth with them, even if it costs me as I am doing it. Help me to share the truth in love as You did. In gentleness as You did. With hope as You did.
Isn’t this what we are called to do? To thank You, praise You and to share Your truth—Your good news of salvation for all mankind?
Help me to do this even today.
Amen.
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