You Just Can't Shut Up

One of the things that truly invigorates me as I read the Gospels is the way people respond to their moments with Jesus. In one instance, Jesus’ steps intersected with a man with leprosy (Mark 1:40-45). The leper had heard of Jesus’ ability to heal people of their diseases. He knew if the Lord wanted to heal him, Jesus would. So, he asked. Jesus wanted to. The man was healed. After healing the man, Jesus told him to go straight to the priest and let him examine him. The Lord gave one other command, “Don’t talk to anyone along the way.”

What do you think this man did? “He spread the news, telling everyone what had happened to him” (Mark 1:45). He simply couldn’t shut up. He was a new man. His sores were gone. His posture was straight and tall. His disfigurement was erased. He couldn’t shut up. And, who could blame Him?

It’s the simple knee-jerk response of anyone who spends time with Jesus—you just can’t shut up! It’s true in my life. I’ve seen it in the lives of others, too. When we spend time with Jesus, we can’t shut up. Our hearts are lighter. Our lips are looser. And, that’s a good thing. We as Christians have every reason to speak out with joy to everyone around us. Our sin is forgiven. Our shame is gone. Jesus died for us and was raised from the grave, guaranteeing once and for all, our good standing with God on earth and in heaven. Because of his amazing touch, we stand tall…no longer slunched over by the heavy, depressing weight of our sin and guilt. Our countenance has softened because our face no longer wears the marring stress of past regret. We’ve been touched by Jesus. We can’t…we shouldn’t…shut up.

If you find yourself too quiet these days about your faith, do yourself a favor. Read the Gospels. You will come to find out again…or maybe for the first time…the secret to unlocking your tongue. It’s Jesus!