Speak Up

Introduction

Have you ever been afraid to do something? We have all been there, there have been times when we were afraid to do something that we knew was right.

In the late 1930’s and early 1940’s Europe was rocked by the terror of Nazi Germany. Millions of Jews, gypsies, catholics, and other dissenters were arrested and sent to concentration camps where they would meet their death through the evil Nazi regime. Though many officials in occupied territories would willingly participate in the arrest and slaughter of the Jewish people some world rebel.

In the south east of France a small town called Le Chambon was one such place. They hid Jewish people in their town, they would obtain forged ration cards to get Jewish people food, and they would even help to smuggle them into Switzerland where they would be safe from Nazi persecution.

Initially when Pastor Andre Trocme tried to lead his congregation to help the oppressed people they were scared. What would happen if the Nazi’s found out? But the people realized that God was calling them to save the Jews and eventually between 5 and 6 thousand Jewish people were saved by the actions of the people at Le Chambon.

We are all called to proclaim God’s message

Jeremiah 1:4–5 NIV

The word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

We are part of his family, created in his Image

Ephesians 1:4–5 NIV

For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—

Those of us who choose Christ are adopted into God’s holy family

As part of God’s family the world will be blessed through us

Genesis 12:2–3 NIV

“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”

We are the ones who God has designated to spread his message, all believers.

It is up to all of us to tell the world about Jesus

Through our actions

And through our words

Putting Yourself out there is scary

It is hard to step out of your comfort zone, to be different

We all make excuses

Jeremiah 1:6 NIV

“Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.”

Jeremiah claimed he was too young, he didn’t know how to speak

Moses had a stutter

Gideon was unsure of himself

What is your excuse?

I don’t want to be ridiculed

I don’t know the right words to say

No one will believe me anyway

I don’t want to lose friends or family

The Holy Spirit Gives us the power to Speak

We don’t have an excuse

Jeremiah 1:7–8 NIV

But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.

God says “no excuses”

When we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us we can do amazing things

Elijah brought dry bones to life

Peter and the other disciples were able to speak in every language to the people

Peter and John Healed

Steven spoke in front of the sanhedrin

Paul predicted a ship wreck, cast out demons, spread the gospel.

All we have to do is submit to the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion

I know this brings up the question, then what is my responsibility as the pastor? Well that’s simple, my responsibility is to teach you, to prepare you to be sent out into the world. To spread the Gospel. This place where we gather on Sunday mornings is not and should never be a fortress that we come and hide in. Church should be a place were we come to be refreshed, to be prepared, and to be sent out to do God’s work. This is why it is so important to come to church, because without this fellowship we will never be prepared to do the work he has given us all to do.

So you, who are called to prophets for Jesus Christ, to speak God’s message to a lost and broken world I give you this charge. Go out into the world, be bold as lions, and proclaim the healing power of Christ. Let us pray.