Bible Reading: Psalm 6, 7 & 8; Acts 18
“One night the LORD spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, ‘Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! For I am with you, for many people in this city belong to me” Acts 18:9-10 (NLT).
God’s word says “The Lord knows those who are His” (2 Timothy 2:19). Whether Jews or Gentiles, whether saved or yet to be saved God knows those who are His. He created us. He has a purpose for each and every person. He told Ananais that a certain Saul who has authority from the chief priest to persecute Christians is a chosen vessel that must be visited at the street called Straight (Acts 9:11-18).
There are many vessels out there who are yet to come to Christ. Without our going out to talk to them, they will remain outside. No wonder God charged Paul to go, “Don’t be afraid to speak! Speak out! Don’t be silent! Acts 18:9b (NLT). If Paul had kept silent the deputy, whose salvation was resisted by Elymas, the sorcerer, would not have been saved (Acts 13:8).
Jesus never kept silent. He understood the words God told Paul, “…for many in this city belong to me.” He said He was sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matthew 15:24). He even commissioned His disciples to go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matthew 10:6). Jesus spoke out and the likes of tax collectors, adulterers, and others condemned by religious people got saved. He is still speaking today.
God wants you, like He did Paul, to speak out too. If you don’t, that prostitute, who has a glorious future in Christ, but still in the world will waste away! Your speaking out will save a soul at least. Remember, God wants all men to be saved.
Action Plan: Talk to somebody today about Christ and His finished work for man. Follow up on these fellows. Remember, God’s presence is with you as you do this.
Bro. Onyema Aghanenu