The Word God Spells

Luke 12: 1-7
Rom 4:1-8/Ps 32:1-2,5,11

Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.
(Luke 12:7)

Be bold when we proclaim God’s Word,
We wield the Holy Spirit’s sword!
Our Church and Faith we shall defend
Steadfast in Christ until the end.

Jesus said, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. Nothing that is covered will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed upon the housetops. “I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear him! Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And yet not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. (Luke 12: 1-7)

Reflection

Our Lord never made any promise that following Him was going to be easy. In fact, as He said in the earlier chapter, “God said, ‘I will send to them prophets and apostles; some of them they will kill and persecute…” (Lk.11:49), and they would be “handed over to their courts and scourged in their synagogues.” (Mt. 10:17) But He was not going to send them off without the Father’s protection. He assured them, “Do not be afraid, you are worth more than many sparrows.” With God’s protection we have every reason to be bold in giving witness to the Good News of God’s salvation — to come out from the darkness and “speak in the light”, and “proclaim on the rooftops” the Word of God!

We are more fortunate in our time that we no longer have to fear the persecutions that the early followers of Christ had to endure to acknowledge Him as their Lord and Saviour. We are not “lambs being sent into the midst of wolves.” The only thing that we fear is ridicule — the shame of speaking out for the Word of God. But why should we be afraid to bare our souls and give witness about our own transformation? Why are we ashamed to talk about Christ in our social circles and in our club meetings? Why are we hesitant to speak out against the infidelities or dishonesty of our friends or associates? By keeping silent we will also be answerable for their misconduct.

Grant us, Father, the boldness of spirit to bring Your message of salvation to others. At the same time help us also to be humble, to be always aware that the words we speak come from You. Grant us the inspiration to speak out boldly and wisely whenever the opportunity to defend the values of Jesus Christ presents itself. Make us Your instruments of righteousness. Amen.