“Break the Silence”
By Rev. Everett R. Kimble, Sr.
“First they came for the Socialist, and I did not speak out because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out because I was not a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me, and there was no one left to speak for me.” (Martin Niemoller)
These are the words of Martin Niemoller, a prominent Protestant pastor in Germany during the time of Hitler. He was speaking of the silence of the Church during the Holocaust as he realized that the believers there should have done more. People were hurting and dying all around them and for many the response was silence. In much the same way we as believers are faced with the deadly image of a sin-sick world and the question for us is the same as it was for the church in Germany at that time. Are we going to be silent?
Are we silent because we are afraid to share the Gospel with our neighbors? Are we silent when it comes to sharing our faith around our so-called friends because we want so badly to fit in? Are we silent when we know that God wants us to pray for someone but we stop short because we are worried who might be watching? Do we silently fade into the crowd when called to step up because of the fear we may have to stand alone?
It’s time to break our silence because God is looking for those of us who are willing to step-up and step-out for Him. He wants us to be the light and the love of Jesus for everyone or just somebody to see, and He is calling us to do it today. Isaiah 6:8 responds like this; “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, whom what I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, here am I; Send me.” (KJV)
And here is your encouragement for today. God has a purpose for your life, and only you can fulfill that mission. It is time for you to be purposeful without the consideration of being popular. God is calling; “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Be bold, break the silence; He is waiting for you. Have a blessed Friday!
