Tag: Luke 12:11-12
Day 3–Not afraid to speak!
Scripture reading for June 10: Luke 12:11-12 “And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” Luke 21:13-15 “This will be your opportunity to bear witness. Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.”
One of man’s greatest fears is public speaking. As a young man in high school, I was very shy and faced a fear of speaking. I took a speech class and joined the school’s public speaking team. I forced myself to write and memorize speeches and dramatic readings. I also volunteered to be in a class play and was selected for a lead role. I disciplined myself to master these fears in spite of internal opposition.
Jesus Christ recognized that His own disciples also had a fear of public speaking. They were tax collectors and fishermen, common people in the workforce. Jesus was calling them to go and proclaim the ‘Good News’ of the kingdom. He knew that they would face opposition, both internal and external. He told them not to let fear of what to say or how to defend themselves hinder them. They should by faith trust God through the Holy Spirit to give them what they needed at the exact time they needed it. God would be with their mouth and supply them with words and wisdom that their adversaries, visible and invisible, could not withstand. Every incident of confrontation or opposition was an opportunity to witness the love and heart of God the Father.
First responders work mostly behind the scenes but have regular interaction with people in situations of need. Often, we must speak to individuals we do not know and family members or friends. This instruction from our Lord brings freedom and confidence in every incident as we invite the Holy Spirit to give us words and wisdom.
Prayer: Father God, I invite You to be with my mouth every day as I have need to speak to those in distress or great need. Give me confidence to speak to those who may be intimidating or combative. Thank You for no fear of speaking. Amen.