Boldness: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: Ephesians 6:19-20

“Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak.”

As we know, one of the key tasks of any human ambassador is to give a message. We often think of the messages as peace-bearers and treaty agreements. But sometimes the messages are words of warning as well.  Sometimes given in silence, and sometimes in words. Sometimes for good, and sometimes for power.

One silent common thread in crime dramas is when henchmen are told to “deliver a message” and the recipient is badly beaten.  Man’s solution.

And an opposite message of love is given any time a parent embraces a sobbing child in silence. God’s offer.

Jesus does not sugarcoat His words to His disciples and to His listeners, both of whom often do not understand or take affront. Yet He speaks the truth in love regardless of the consequences to Him personally, or opinions of others. He speaks them in mercy: words and actions towards life and healing and restoration. As a gift of life.

“I must speak,” Paul says, already knowing well the physical consequences of prisons and whippings. We already know the possible verbal consequences of ridicule and condemnation. And yet, without messages of truth, we cannot share hope.

Lord, please forgive us our timidity, and give us words in Your Spirit to share Your messages boldly in silence and in speech.

Psalm of Worship: Isaiah 55:13

“Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall be to the Lord for a memorial, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.

-->

Reflection: Speak: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     What are some ways that we can share His words without verbal language?

2.     How can we speak scripture words with love and not condemnation?

3.     Do you think if the special anointing left the followers after that day they continued to share the gospel with enthusiasm? Why or why not?

4.     What are some ordinary ways, or talents, we can ‘speak’ truth when we are available to the Holy Spirit’s use of us.

5.     What gift ability have you been given to speak the Lord’s words?

Share: Have you ever been startled by the Lord’s use of you for another?

Speak: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: Acts 2:4

“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the spirit gave them ability.”

All of them—not one was left out.

Other languages—words not known to them before.

As the Spirit gave—a special gifting ability—not of their own making.

Out of hearts filled with prayer and humility waiting—in the Lord’s presence.

Given a task—an ability—a specific work to do that day.

Scripture does not say whether those abilities remained. Whether or not each person now had that particular speech gift to minister and evangelize that language culture after that day. But on that day they all became ambassadors of the Lord.

Lord, please help us to remember to seek Your Spirit daily so that in all our tasks we are available, if or whenever You so choose, to give even a moment—a word. May we not ignore the tasks You give even if they confuse or startle us. Help us to become Your ambassadors whether in silence or in speech. May we live so that Your light pours through us.

Psalm of Worship: Genesis 1:4

“And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness.”