04 24 07 Unlocked Treasures

“A lamp isn’t to be put under a basket or under a bed, is it?
Isn’t it to be placed on a lamp stand?”
(Mark 4:21)

Mark writes after the death of Peter (A.D. 65-70) to a people who are facing persecution from the Roman government. As the church faces severe trial, Mark concentrates on the servant hood of Christ. As they faced trials and threats, Christ is portrayed as the faithful servant, even in His final hour, remaining faithful to the will of the Father. If the early Christians could face death (11 apostles were killed for the sake of Christ) and still witness for Christ, why won’t we? Why are we ashamed of the light shining too brightly from within us?

“The secret of the Kingdom of God has been given to you.
But to those outside, everything is in parables---”
(Mark4:11)

To believers, parables disclose the truth. To the unbelievers, a parable hides the truth. Only those with spiritual ears and eyes can see and hear the truth. What will we do to help open the unbeliever’s eyes and ears? Are we willing to risk friendship, relationship, even family ties? Will we risk a place of honor, a reward, or even a job? Will we be ashamed of the Gospel for the sake of our reputation?

We hold the secrets to life and death within our heart. Are we willing to do for someone else what someone did for us? Jesus went to the cross for ALL who sinned, not just our friends, or not just for me! He suffered for the chief sinner (that’s me!) and for the least (perhaps that’s you, or your boss, or your next door neighbor). Do we care if we may be the last person to tell them of Christ? How can we let someone go to hell without a warning? What if they face the Lord and say, “Jerry never told me Lord!”? Would that change our actions?

Make a list: whom do we need to speak to? Who needs to hear? Let’s begin to pray for opportunity and power to speak and live boldly for the Savior, so all may see His light shining brightly from within us. Amen!