Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, several of the women went to the tomb to anoint Jesus Crucified body but they were greeted by an Angel with a surprising and exciting message, “He is not here. He is Risen! Go and tell the disciples the disciples and Peter that he will meet them in Galilee.”
How many times have you been the bearer of a “Go and tell” message? Who did you go and tell when you met your first love? And do you remember when he proposed? Who did you go and tell? And then there is the birth of your first child, her first steps, first words, first day of school, first report card and the list goes on and go and on. “Go and Tell.”
People have invested and made millions of dollars in the “Go and Tell” industry. From the Pony express to UPS, from newspapers to magazines, radio to television and now the seemingly unlimited tools of the internet, moguls and ordinary citizens spend much of their day in the mode of “Go and Tell.” Some even have the reputation “If you want to spread the word go tell ___________ and everybody will know by the end of the day.” Right?
Much of what we “Go and Tell” is exciting for a while, interesting for a moment or juicy for a day. Some messages are informative, some out of duty, others as a personal means of relieving stress and some out of a sense of pride. Whatever the content of our “Go and Tell” message, it is often delivered with a personal, selfish motive. Face, it most human beings can’t bear keeping what we know or what we have experienced to ourselves.
“Go and tell the disciples and Peter.” God knew the simplest and most effective means to communicate to the world the extent of his love made known through Jesus was “Go and Tell.” You don’t need to take a class or attend a seminar on evangelism, just “Go and Tell”. You don’t have to have some earth shattering testimony, just “Go and Tell.” You don’t have to be a gifted communicator, just “Go and tell.”
This week, “Go and Tell’ the person who works in your office, the neighbor who just moved in, the family member who relocated to the area. “Go and Tell” the cashier who always looks sad, the table server who seems preoccupied, the mechanic who is always seems tired and weary. “Go and Tell” someone this week that God has changed your life, given you hope, made life seem more manageable, made a difference in your outlook . “Go and Tell” someone about the Easter services at your church and invite them to join you.
“But Pastor, I don’t know what to say.” Sure you do. Imitate the “Go and Tell” style of the disciple Jesus loved…..”The life appeared. We have seen it. He who was with the Father has appeared to us. We tell you what we have seen and what we have heard so that you might have fellowship with us.” I John 1:2-3.
He has Risen church! He has Risen indeed! Go and Tel! Go and Tell! Go and Tell!
I look forward to seeing you and meeting those you told and invited this Easter weekend.
Peace,
Rick
