Not a Secret

Bible Reading: Acts 4:13-20

Andy brought Mexican jumping beans to school today,” said Tiernan at dinner one evening. “They look like regular beans, but then they move all by themselves. Andy wouldn’t say what made them move—he said it was a secret. But I looked it up online and found out. I don’t know why Andy didn’t just tell us. It’s no secret!”

“So what makes them move?” asked Tiernan’s sister, Ariel.

“Moths,” said Tiernan. “Mexican jumping beans are three-celled bean pods that house moths. The jumping is caused by the moth larvae moving inside.”

“Ew, gross!” said Ariel. She put down her knife and fork. “Well, now I’ve lost my appetite.”

When dinner was finished, Dad got out his Bible for family devotions. “Tiernan’s story about the jumping beans made me think of something,” he said. “Like he told us, the reason they move isn’t a secret, but I’m reminded that there’s something we often keep secret, even though we shouldn’t. Moths in the bean pods makes them jump, and we have something in us that makes us choose to do the things we do, but we often don’t tell anyone what it is.”

“Well, what is it?” asked Tiernan in surprise. “I don’t know either.”

Dad smiled. “It’s the love of Jesus in our hearts. For example, I remember that you refused to join some of your classmates in making fun of that new boy at school. What reason did you give for doing that?”

“Um, well…I just said I thought it was wrong,” replied Tiernan.

“And when I was so sick,” said Dad, “God gave me a miraculously quick recovery. But I wonder how many of us told our friends that God had answered our prayers?”

“I didn’t,” admitted Ariel.

“It’s almost as though we’re keeping it a secret that we know Jesus,” said Dad, opening his Bible to the fourth chapter of Acts. “Tonight, let’s read about some men who didn’t keep it a secret that they knew Jesus. How about reading it for us, Tiernan? Read verses sixteen to twenty.” After Tiernan finished reading, Dad said, “Peter and John couldn’t keep themselves from telling others what God had done for them. Let’s join them by telling everyone what He’s done for us too.” – Nance E. Keyes

How About You?

Do you tell others about Jesus? Don’t keep it a secret that you know Him. Tell other kids when you’re thankful for something God has given you or done for you. Speak up if there’s an opportunity to let others know that Jesus loves them so much He died to take away their sin. They may want to know Him too. What are some other things you could tell them about?

Today’s Key Verse:
Acts 4:20 We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

Today’s Key Thought:

Don’t keep Jesus a secret