Loud and Proud

Daily Reading:  Matthew 10 

What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. (Matthew 10.27) 

Devotional Thought: In Matthew 10, Jesus sends out his disciples to preach the kingdom, to heal, to raise the dead, to cleanse the lepers, and to cast out demons.  In these actions, he is demonstrating the authority of the kingdom over life, sickness, death, hate, and darkness.  At one point in his instructions to the disciples, he tells them not to be afraid but rather to be bold and speak and proclaim openly what he has taught them privately. 

As children of God, we too are given authority to reclaim life from death, to replace health for disease, to assert love over hate, and to shine light in the darkness.  But, we must speak the truth and freedom and power of the kingdom!  This news is too good to be kept secret! 

In Acts 4, the church was being persecuted for doing just that – speaking the truth.  The apostles were arrested and threatened.  But instead of bowing to fear, they called a prayer meeting and asked God to help them preach stronger than ever!  What resulted from that prayer?  They spoke the word of God with boldness and thousands came to know Christ in Jerusalem.  The church was established in the face of fierce opposition and in the midst of political corruption.  People found hope.  People found Christ. 

So do not fear!  What Jesus has told you in the dark, speak in the daylight.  What he has whispered in your ear, proclaim from the rooftops.  Let your light shine and your voice be heard! 

Prayer: Grant, O Lord, that I would have the eyes to see your light and ears to hear your truth.  Then help me to proclaim to all the good news of the kingdom.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 88:1-5

1 O LORD, God of my salvation; I cry out day and night before you.

2 Let my prayer come before you; incline your ear to my cry!

3 For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to Sheol.

4 I am counted among those who go down to the pit; I am a man who has no strength,

5 like one set loose among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave, like those whom you remember no more, for they are cut off from your hand.