Martin Neimoller was a prominent German pastor during World War Two who stood up against the evils of Hitler. Though he survived the war, he did spend years in concentration camps. You may have heard this quote before, but I think it’s important to consider. He wrote, “First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out to defend them -- 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.”

Neimoller would regret not speaking out his whole life. I don’t want you to regret not sharing the Good News. We need to speak out, even if we feel we are alone. The truth is, we are never alone. God is with us. He will empower us to shine for Him. It can be easy to stay quiet because it seems everyone else is. But if no one else is speaking out, it’s even more important that you and I should do it. We are talking about salvation and eternity and there is nothing more important.

Jesus said in the Gospel of Luke, “But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom…” Who in your world are you going to reach this week?

This is Luis Palau.