Let Those Who Know Tell Those Who Don’t Know

John was a timid man who dreaded speaking in public. He was terrified on the day it was his turn to give a devotional message to his men’s Bible study. With trembling knees and sweaty palms, he stood and faced his listeners. He timidly asked a simple question, “Do you know what I’m going to say this morning?” “No,” answered the group in unison. To which John replied, “Neither do I,” and he ran from the room.

The next week at his Bible study he was told to try to deliver his devotional again. He stood up holding to the podium and asked the same question, “Do you know what I’m going to say?” This time they replied, “Yes.” Quickly he replied, “Then you don’t need me to tell you.” Again once more he ran out of the room.

When the gathered the next week, the whole group insisted that he try to give his devotional once more. So once more he asked, “Do you know what I’m going to say?” This time half his hearers shouted, “Yes!” and half shouted, “No!” “Oh,” John said with a relieved look on his face, “then let those who know tell those who don’t know.” Then he ran out the door.

That is a fictitious story, but the punchline is well worth remembering: “Let those who know tell those who don’t know.” That is the call of every follower of Jesus. We who have come to a saving knowledge of Jesus are entrusted with the divine task of sharing the truth we have embraced with others.

1 Peter 3:15,16 encourages us with these words: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”

We are to be prepared always to share the hope that we have in Jesus. Our witness is verbal, but it needs to be reinforced by a lifestyle that has been transformed by the indwelling Holy Spirit. So, let those of us who know tell those who don’t, and let our lifestyles reflect that we truly do know Jesus as both Savior and Lord.