I was just thinking about how blessed we who are believers are. To know Jesus is to have an indescribable peace… one that transcends understanding. Because we have such peace, we must also realize that we are not to keep quiet about it. Every believer has a story to tell. That is why Jesus said we are to be His witnesses.
Some of us were saved when we were very young, others in their teens, and still others as older adults. Some were saved in church, some at church camp or VBS, and some, like me, were saved at home. Each of us had different circumstances, not all of us had the same experience.
I remember our current Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, preaching at South Arkansas Camp years ago. He said, “Not everyone has the same salvation experience. We are not like Saul, who was blinded. And we don’t see angels ricocheting off the walls!” No matter where we were, who we were with or the circumstances, we all have a story to tell.
A Hymn that Reminds Us
Songwriters Henry Nichol and Mark Alan Thallander collaborated and gave us the song that has these lyrics: “We’ve a story to tell to the nations that shall turn their hearts to the right. A story of truth and mercy, A story of peace and light, a story of peace and light. For the darkness shall turn to dawning and the dawning to noonday bright. And Christ’s great kingdom shall come to earth, the kingdom of love and light.”
This Christmas, may we never forget that we have a story to tell our neighbors, coworkers, classmates and others in our communities. In fact, this season makes it much easier for us to tell the story of Jesus. We are not relegated just to His virgin birth, but to His sacrificial death, and His amazing resurrection from the tomb.
We Need Only to Get the Conversation Going
I have found that people are willing to inquire about our story. We need only to get the conversation going with them. It is easy to turn almost any subject into a conversation about the Lord Jesus Christ. At Christmas, it is so much easier, because His name is heard all around the world. People can go into stores and hear music playing — it’s about Jesus. Just get the conversation going!
Tell Me the Story of Jesus
Fanny Crosby gave us a wonderful song when she penned these words: “Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart every word; tell me the story most precious, sweetest that ever was heard. Tell how the angels in chorus sang as they welcomed His birth, ‘Glory to God in the highest! Peace and good tidings to earth.’”
In our present time, we see killings, beatings, abandonments, riots and rebellions. Cities are being ravaged by gangs, schools are going into lockdown because of threats, and churches are under attack by infidels. It is not a time for believers to hold back! We need to be prayerful. We need to ask God for boldness. And we need to tell the story!
As Witnesses We Must Tell the Story!
Jesus never suggested that we tell the story of His love for mankind. He did not say to tell the story when you feel like it. No, He said, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8 NIV1984).
