I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation.  Psalm 40:10 

 So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord. 2 Timothy 1:8  

We can be very excited to share news about a new job, or graduation from school, and certainly about a new baby, or even puppy. Yet, it can be very hard to share the Good News we have in Jesus. When a friend got a new puppy, we had already heard about it for several weeks as she was getting ready to acquire the pup. Once the pup entered her family , she had pictures and lots of listeners as we heard all about him. No problem at all talking about the puppy and what it meant to her family to have this new dog as a companion for them and their other dog.    

David wrote many Psalms of praise, as well of those of lament and prayers for help. In Psalm 40 he is proclaiming so all can hear of God’s faithful acts and all the love He has shown the people. He praises God throughout this Psalm, in acknowledgement of all His past mercy and grace shown to David. Interesting that he says he has not concealed God’s love and faithfulness; makes you wonder why anyone would. Do we want to keep it for ourselves? Do we think no one wants to hear about it or will believe it? Maybe we just are too scared and don’t want to be made fun of be different from our peer group.   

Paul tells Timothy to not be timid, to “kindle afresh the gift of God,” that is the gift of the Spirit which is not one of timidity, but is rather a Spirit of power and love. Timothy needs to testify about all the things God has done, even if, at the moment, Paul is in prison and far from supporters. Just like Timothy we are often too timid to actually share our experience and faith and joy in our Savior.  That is why Jesus promised and sent the Holy Spirit through which God has given us the, but the spirit of power, of courage and resolution; not the spirit of fear, but the spirit of love which will carry us through opposition. We would never have had this experience without those that came ahead of us and their testimony. Now we, in our turn, need to share this Good News without timidity, without shame but with joy and thanksgiving.  

Heavenly Father, you have given us a good word to share. There are times when we are shy about sharing that word. Help us not to be ashamed but full of joy in sharing your word. In your mercy, grant us forgiveness and confidence that today we may be your bold witness of the Good News of Jesus Christ in whose name we pray. Amen   

Chris Gabel 

Ministries
Teaching Mission Party