TOPIC: DON'T LOOK AT THEIR FACES
MEMORIZE:
Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord. Jeremiah 1:8
READ: Jeremiah 1:4-10
4 Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.
6 Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.
7 But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.
8 Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.
9 Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.
10 See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.
MESSAGE
Many believers fail to share the gospel because of fear. The key to overcoming this, however, is to ask God for boldness and wisdom for each unique occasion.
I recall a time l flew first class because someone gifted me the ticket. I sat next to a man who I could tell was very rich from his appearance. I really wanted to tell him about Jesus, but I was afraid he wouldn't listen because he would think that he was above such things. Therefore, I decided to go about it with wisdom. I said, "Sir, I’d love to introduce you to my Daddy." He asked, "Who is your Daddy?" "My Daddy is a great chief. He's into oil and gas, and He does some silver, gold, and diamonds. He also has a big farm with thousands of cattle," I replied. Then he asked, "How come l don't know him? What's your father's name?" I knew that if I said Jesus at that stage, I might lose Him, so l said, "My Father's name is Chief Emmanuel." That got his attention, and I was able to share the gospel with him.
When God called young Jeremiah to preach to the rebellious children of Israel, He instructed him not to be afraid of their faces. The same God is with you when you go out to tell others about Jesus' love. He has given you His Spirit to teach you what to say, just as He taught me on that flight. No matter how tough-faced or uninterested people may look, don't look at their faces; focus on the One who sent you and deliver His message to them. An adage in Yorubaland says that you shouldn't fear the one you are delivering a message to but the one who sent you to deliver the message. Don't allow the fear of men prevent you from preaching the gospel. Keep your eyes on God, do as He has commanded all believers (Matthew 28:18-19), and leave the conviction and conversion to Him.
Once God is with you, nothing else matters. He'll teach you what to say and how to say it. Preaching the gospel is not about how excellently you can speak and quote the Scriptures but the demonstration of the Spirit and of power (1 Corinthians 2:4).
Beloved, surrender your life to Jesus today if you haven't; He is the only way to salvation. If you have surrendered your life to Him, ensure you share the gospel with others; don't be afraid of their faces.
ACTION POINT
Tell someone about the love of Jesus today.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Samuel 22-24
AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A ADEBOYE
HYMN 20: STAND UP, STAND UP FOR JESUS
1 Stand up, stand up for Jesus
ye soldiers of the cross;
lift high his royal banner,
it must not suffer loss.
From vict'ry unto vict'ry
his army he shall lead
till ev'ry foe is vanquished
and Christ is Lord indeed.
2 Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
the trumpet call obey;
forth to the mighty conflict
in this his glorious day.
Ye that are men now serve him
against unnumbered foes;
let courage rise with danger
and strength to strength oppose.
3 Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
stand in his strength alone;
the arm of flesh will fail you,
ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the gospel armor,
each piece put on with prayer;
where duty calls or danger,
be never wanting there.
4 Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
the strife will not be long;
this day the noise of battle,
the next, the victor's song.
To him that overcometh
a crown of life shall be;
he with the King of glory
shall reign eternally.
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