I have friends who cannot help but speak up about any topic whatsoever. I’m sure you do as well. We all know people who bring a cavalcade of words. In the best circumstances, they tend to lubricate social situations and pull people out of their shells, and those who learn to harness their talkativeness develop into excellent communicators.

Peter and John refused to harness their talkativeness. They shook Jerusalem as they preached about the resurrected Jesus, and healed a well-known man crippled for over 40 years. The ruling council, the same men who crucified Jesus, called them in for a scolding, warning them to not speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.

John and Peter responded: Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.

The apostles refused the muzzle. The miracle of Jesus overwhelmed earthly authority. Thank God for their lack of conformity. Jesus-followers down through history know of God’s love due to their civil disobedience.

You and I should refuse the muzzle as well. Speak the message of hope. Tell others what God has done in your life. Blurt out the good news of Jesus. You don’t need to be an excellent communicator, just earnest in your desire for people to find their way to the Lord. Talk about Jesus—the world needs him desperately.

Acts 4:18-20

Photo by Chris Dixon