Tongue-Tied-dj

Tongue-Tied Evangelism

2 Kings 7:9

Dr. Wilbur Smith was a renowned professor, researcher, and author whose lectures and books trained a generation of Christian workers.  Near the end of his life, Dr. Smith published his memoirs, entitled Before I Forget, and he began in the preface of his book by sharing a regret:

I should, through the years, have been more faithful in witnessing for Christ to many of those whose friendship I have enjoyed.  I am afraid there are booksellers and librarians, for example, with whom I have often conversed who are unbelievers, and to whom I have not borne witness of the Gospel.  I was told that a few years ago, when a dinner was given in Tokyo in honor of Billy Graham, he found himself seated next to the crown prince of Japan.  The first thing Mr. Graham said to him was, “What do you think of Jesus Christ?”  I am afraid that for myself I have let many conversations continue without my asking that greatest of all questions.

I’m afraid a lot of us harbor the same regret—and why is that?  What’s wrong with us?  People are perishing every day.  They’re in danger of the fires of hell.  So why are we tongue-tied?  Have you ever had a golden opportunity to share a word for Christ with someone, but just couldn’t or didn’t speak up?  Most of us can make conversation with others about the weather, sports, restaurants, and hobbies.  Why does the cat get our tongue when it comes to speaking up for Jesus?

Second Kings 7:9 says: “We are not doing right.  This day is a day of good news, and we remain silent.”  Well, I don’t want to send you on a guilt trip over this, but I would like to suggest some ways for us to find our voices so we can always be ready to speak a word for the Savior.

David Jeremiah, Signs of Life, p.  60