Matthew 10:19-20 “But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”

It is worth noting that this is specifically plural. Jesus wasn’t just talking to one person, or even just to the 12; He was talking to every believer, every disciple down through the ages. This doesn’t mean that we aren’t to immerse ourselves in Scripture, much less that sermons aren’t to be prepared before they are delivered. However, it does mean that we aren’t to rely on tricks of oratory, manipulating people through psychology. That is possible, and sadly, there are those who do it in the name of Christianity, though I would be slow to say they do it in the name of the Lord. It does mean that God can and will take human vessels and deliver His Word through them, if they are yielded to Him.

I don’t expect to be hauled before any court of law for my faith, though there are those to whom that is happening all the time in Islamic countries. However, I am often “on trial,” so to speak, because being a Christian is part of my public and private identity. People often say things to me that are in effect challenges, and I need to be available to God to let Him speak to those through me. Actually, this happens within the church as well as outside of it, because my job as a pastor is not only to protect the flock but also to stretch their understanding and lead them into more knowledge of God and commitment to Him. When that disturbs the status quo, when it draws people out of their comfort zones, sometimes they react against me rather than recognizing their need to grow. I am not to fear that, but love them enough to allow the Holy Spirit to speak through me to them. Every time I get into the pulpit I acknowledge that my words alone will benefit no one, and I ask God to speak through me. That must never degenerate into an insincere formula, but must always be the honest attitude of my heart. Only then will God’s Word through me accomplish His will in the hearts and lives of those who hear.

Father, thank You for this reminder. You’ve given me a strong Word for this morning, but a joyful one for all who will accept it. I pray that Your Spirit would work in the heart of each person who is to hear this message, either this morning or later electronically, so that they may receive Your truth and allow it to set them free from the traps of the enemy. May we be a people who delight You because we delight in You, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!