“Will You Not Tell It Today?”

Jarrod M. Jacobs

 

The title above comes from song #89 in the Sacred Selections songbook. This song is connected to the statement in Mark 5:19. There Jesus tells the man who was demon-possessed to relate the account of his healing to others. The command given on this day ought to be something we apply in our lives as well. Thanks to Christ, our sins are washed away (Rev. 1:5; Acts 22:16). Christ can do the same for everyone else on earth. Therefore, isn’t this news that ought to be told to as many as we can reach?  

            When it comes to our salvation, God sent Jesus to the cross out of love for us (Jn. 3:16). Knowing that Jesus shed His blood for the remission of our sins (Matt. 26:28); why are we so shy about telling others about God the Father, and Jesus, the Son of God? Let us not be ashamed (II Tim. 1:8).

            Jesus taught the importance of man’s soul in Matthew 16:26. He showed us how important each soul is by coming to this world, dying, and resurrecting from the dead (Acts 2:22-36; etc.). Why not tell someone about Jesus and His plan for mankind’s salvation (I Cor. 15:1-8)?

            Has Jesus ever let you down? Hasn’t His care and blessings always been constant? Jesus has kept all of His promises (Matt. 5:17; Lk. 24:44). Instead of keeping the truth to ourselves, let us teach others what the Bible says is necessary for salvation. Let us point people to Jesus and His word (Jn. 14:6, 15). We all have an essential part to play in bringing lost souls to Christ (Jn. 15:1-6; II Tim. 2:2). Will you not tell it (II Cor. 6:2)?

            Jesus teaches that to be saved, one must hear God’s word (Matt. 17:5), believe that Jesus is the Son of God (Jn. 8:24), repent of his sins (Lk. 13:3), confess his faith in Christ (Matt. 10:32), and be baptized (Mk. 16:16). Upon doing these things, not only is one saved, but God adds him to the church (Acts 2:47). One can look forward to a home in Heaven with God as a result (Jn. 14:1-3; Matt. 25:34).

            Friends, the borders of God’s kingdom will never be spread until we decide to put on the whole armor of God (Eph. 6:13-17). We must fight that spiritual warfare against Satan and take the territory (the souls of men) away from him (II Cor. 10:3-6). Who will do their part?

 

“If the name of the Saviour is precious to you,

If His care has been constant and tender and true,

If the light of His presence has brightened your way,

O will you not tell of your gladness today?

 

“If your faith in the Saviour has bro’t its reward,

If a strength you have found in the strength of your Lord,

If the hope of a rest in His palace is sweet,

O will you not, brother, the story repeat?

 

“If the souls all around you are living in sin,

If the Master has told you to bid them come in,

If the sweet invitation they never have heard,

O will you not tell them the cheer-bringing word?

 

“O will you not tell it today?

Will you not tell it today?

If the light of His presence has brightened your way,

O will you not tell it today?”

(Jessie Brown Pounds, J.H. Fillmore, Sacred Selections, #89)