Our call

Reading this morning in Acts 5 and there is much that is familiar. Many of us may consider the quick judgment against Ananias and Sapphira for lying to the Lord. But one other verse caught my attention, and it’s verse 20: “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.” This was the charge given by the angel of the Lord to apostles who had been imprisoned. It’s a simple command: go and speak.

But there is something more to this: it’s very specific. They are to speak “all the words of this Life.” Don’t hold back. Don’t keep back any of the words of eternal life. Don’t be upset and only speak judgment to those who threw you in prison, but speak life to them. What a glorious message!! We have the words of life and let us not shy away from speaking them. The simple and incontrovertible fact is we are all sinners desperately in need of the grace of God…of the words of this Life!

As we begin 2026 may this be our accepted task - to speak all the words of this Life to those around us. May we boldly proclaim the truth to whoever we meet. May we have the courage in the Spirit to speak so that others may know life.

I know this song isn’t exactly about this, but it’s always fun to include a song.