Isaiah 62:1 For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent,
for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet,
till her righteousness shines out like the dawn,
her salvation like a blazing torch.

In the Biblical scheme of things, silent believers are an anomaly. Isaiah was writing about the land of Israel, certainly, but as is usually the case with anointed prophets, his words have deeper and broader meaning as well. As Christians, we are concerned with the New Jerusalem, as John described in Revelation, and the Church is the manifestation of that right now. Sadly, the Church is not currently “without spot or wrinkle,” (Ephesians 5:27) so believers need to be earnest for her purity in righteousness. “Salvation” here does refer to Zion/the Church being saved, but we also have salvation to offer, and that should be evident to all. To me, this verse is an encouragement to proclaim the Gospel until everyone knows it, until it is as obvious as the dawn. There are far too many Christians today who never say a word about Christ to anyone, and that is a trap of the devil. We must be careful that our lives are consistent with what we proclaim, but we must not be silent simply because we know our lives aren’t perfect. God has always used imperfect vessels! If that weren’t the case, He would have no one to use!

I am not a particularly social person by temperament, and the first time I ever spoke to a total stranger about Christ, it was such a departure from what “came naturally” to me that I knew it was a sign I had been filled with the Holy Spirit. When people who have the gift of Encouragement, (Romans 12:6-8) especially those who have the particular gift/calling of evangelist, (Ephesians 4:11) teach seminars on “Personal Evangelism,” most people who don’t have those gifts come away feeling horribly guilty, but not much more likely to share the Gospel. There are those for whom such evangelism comes easily, but they are certainly in the minority. However, that doesn’t let everyone else off the hook! Each individual’s style of evangelism will be different, but we are all called and appointed to be witnesses, and the Holy Spirit is provided to empower us for that task. (Acts 1:8) I have been trying to get that truth across for as long as I’ve been in ministry, but it can be really slow going. I am not to give up, but let the Holy Spirit give me the wisdom and words that I need to open people’s eyes to what God desires for them.

Father, lately You have been bringing unsaved people to our services here. That’s really “easy picking” for evangelism! I pray that the believers would recognize the opportunities You provide, and indeed “not keep silent,” but proclaim Your grace and love from their own perspective, so that those hearing would recognize that it’s not a canned presentation, but living experience. May we all be more and more effective in speaking Your truth in Your love so that many may be set free from the lies that have bound them, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!