“Can you keep a secret?”
I hate when someone asks me this question. I don’t want the burden of the knowledge, especially if the secret involves someone I know. I usually decline or give a vague cagey answer like, “It depends,” never fostering trust between the two of us. How many secrets does the average person keep?
In a recent medical study, published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, researchers determined that the average person keeps thirteen secrets and of these, five of them have never been divulged to another. While one could question the rigidity of the methodology of this study, all of us hold or have held secrets. The question is why are we willing to keep secrets and why do we break the promise?
The Apostles Peter and John were part of the original twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. They were eyewitnesses to His life and teachings and saw Him tortured and executed on the Cross. Three days later, they met the risen Jesus Christ. The Resurrection transformed them just as the power of the Resurrection transformed every believer in Jesus Christ. They could not stop talking about what happened. After they healed a lame beggar through the power of Jesus Christ, a massive crowd followed them, and new believers were quickly being added through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Jewish authorities had to stop it and quickly conferred with one another.
…What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.” So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.
Acts 4:16-18 (ESV)
In other words, they were asking them to keep a secret. What was the response of the Apostles?
…for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.
Acts 4:20 (NASB)
Keep Jesus Christ a secret? Millions of believers in Jesus Christ cannot stop speaking about Him and they have suffered for it, some paying the ultimate sacrifice with their own lives and the lives of their loved ones. From the first believers to today, Satan and his demons have conspired to silence the followers of Jesus Christ, yet the Good News of Jesus Christ continues to spread throughout the world because all believers cannot keep Him secret.
Jesus lived and died for our sins and He was resurrected by God and now lives in Heaven! All who have confessed and repented of their sins and have placed their trust in Him as Lord and Savior will receive forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life.
Can I keep this a secret?
Go, shout it from the rooftops! I want to make this the world’s worst kept secret!
Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.
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