The Weight Of Our Silence
Thursday, November 12
2 Samuel 18:26-29 (NLT)
“The watchman saw another man running toward them. He shouted down, “Here comes another one!” The king replied, “He also will have news.” “The first man runs like Ahimaaz son of Zadok,” the watchman said. “He is a good man and comes with good news,” the king replied. Then Ahimaaz cried out to the king, “Everything is all right!” He bowed before the king with his face to the ground and said, “Praise to the LORD your God, who has handed over the rebels who dared to stand against my lord the king.” “What about young Absalom?” the king demanded. “Is he all right?” Ahimaaz replied, “When Joab told me to come, there was a lot of commotion. But I didn’t know what was happening.”
Devotion
In 2 Samuel 18:26–29, imagine King David watching a messenger approach, desperately hoping to hear that his son is safe. Instead, the messenger arrives with words that paint a picture of victory but leave David standing in the dark about the heartbreaking reality, reminding us that a message can sound comforting while leaving the most important truth untold.
As Christians, we have a responsibility to study the Word of God, as 2 Timothy 2:15 reminds us, to be diligent in rightly dividing the word of truth. When we share the gospel of Jesus Christ, we must be careful to share the whole truth, not just the parts that bring comfort or make people feel good. We love to talk about the beauty of heaven, being reunited with loved ones, the joy of salvation, and the miracles God works on our behalf. And these are beautiful promises and powerful works of God! But we cannot paint a picture of the Christian walk filled only with sunshine while leaving people unaware of the darkness that also exists.
Scripture reminds us in 1 Peter 5:8 (KJV): “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”
There is a very real enemy, a very real battle between light and darkness, and a very real need for repentance, obedience, and spiritual awareness. If we only share the comforting parts of God’s Word while leaving out the difficult truths, are we truly preparing people for the walk of faith, or simply telling them what they want to hear?
Just as the messenger stood before King David with comforting words while leaving the painful truth untold, we must examine the message we carry to others. Sharing the whole gospel isn’t always easy, especially when it means speaking about the painful realities of sin, repentance, and spiritual darkness, but loving someone means caring enough to share the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. In those moments, we must ask ourselves: What matters more—protecting our own comfort or reaching the soul standing right before us?
Today's Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I ask that utterance may be given to me, that I may speak the mystery of the gospel of Jesus Christ with boldness and in love. Cause me to hear Your words that I should speak, that I may be a messenger of Your salvation. I also pray in advance for the people You bring across my path. May their hearts be open to hear Your words, may salvation come forth as a fruit, and may Your name be glorified. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
Commit to praying for the lost daily. Meditate on verses regarding salvation, such as Romans chapters 3 and 10 and John chapter 3. Be ready at all times to share your testimony.
Resources
- Watch “Contend For Your Faith” and be encouraged to boldly share the Gospel, stand firm in the truth, and lead others to Christ!
- Looking for ways to help someone grow in their faith? Explore our collection of helpful articles that you can easily share to encourage, equip, and guide others along their faith journey. Resources.