“I think I may have discovered something about why so many Christians are reluctant to share their faith,” Stan began one morning.
“Good,” I replied, “that may clear up something I’ve been wondering about. What did you discover?”
“They didn’t read far enough.”
“Didn’t read far enough?” I replied. “What do you mean?”
“They may have stopped reading when Jesus said one thing, and not gone on to read what He said later. For example, there are several instances in the Bible where Jesus is recorded as telling His disciples that they were not to tell anyone that He was the Christ.”
“So,” I replied, “if people stop reading at that point, they might think they’re doing what Jesus said by not telling anyone that He is the Christ.”
“That’s it,” Stan replied, “but I don’t really think that. I’m just trying to make a point that it’s essential that I read, study, and embrace all that the Bible has to say. If I had stopped reading before I got to the point when Jesus said it was time to go and tell everyone, I would have missed the essential part of the great commission.”
Continuing, he added, “There was a point when Jesus had a valid reason to instruct the disciples not to tell anyone because the time was not right. But that’s not the way it is now. I am to tell everyone who He is, the Christ, and what He has done by His life, death, and resurrection.”
“Life eternally with God when it’s time,” I replied, “along with the eternal life of knowing Him and the Father before then.”
“Amen, my friend, you’ve got it!”
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Bible verses to consider:
Then He warned the disciples that they should tell no one that He was the Christ. Matthew 16:20.
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:19, 20.
And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent. John 17:3.
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for the truth of your word, that you provide all I need to know about what it is you have for me to be and to do as a disciple. I confess that too often I do not take the time to study, understand, and embrace what you have provided in the Bible, and I do not listen to your voice through the Holy Spirit. Please help me in following your lead into the deepest possible understanding of what you have for me for both sides of eternity. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Think on this: Do you agree that reading God’s word and listening to His voice through the Holy Spirit are essential parts of being a disciple? Why or why not? If you don’t agree, you might want to talk with God about it. If you do agree, how are you doing? Are those things a priority in your life? If not, why? If they are not important to you and you want them to be a priority, do you know how that can happen?
Waiting for the Train 