Let It Be A Surprise
One time I was working for a small company. The boss had to leave for a few days and he left us employees without supervision. A bad accusation was made against a co-worker by a woman associated with the business. I found out about it. The co-worker found out that I had found out. Most everyone involved was eagerly awaiting the soon arrival of the boss. It was going to be spectacular.
The accused co-worker asked me what was going on. I did not want to get involved further in the matter. I refused to say anything. He pleaded. He begged. He persisted. Finally I felt sorry and explained the allegations. Immediately it was my fault. I had wanted to remain completely outside of these things but now I was in the center of them. I told myself, I should have let it be a surprise.
Sometimes when we become aware of bad news or unpleasant information, we want to remain silent. Sometimes it is the highest form of evil to say nothing. A person may become a Christian and many times they immediately want everyone to know. “You're going to burn in hell and it is never going to stop!” Generally sharing this type of vital information is not welcomed by friends and family. Is it wrong to say this kind of thing or is it wrong to be silent?
I knew a banjo player that worked with Johnny Cash. He was a wealthy man but very addicted to drugs. One night he got in his Cadillac to go home and could not remember where he lived. An associate told him, “You're going to hell”. In unbearable circumstances, he sought God's help. He got saved and eventually became a missionary to Mexico. Is it right to keep unpleasant information from people? We may want to, sometimes, but sometimes it is a kindness to try to tell people what they do not want to hear.
What do you do when people do not want to hear what you have to tell them? It is tempting to say quietly:
“Let it be a surprise. Wait until it is too late and then find out.”
But you may find one person that will discover it to be a lifesaver.
Jesus' disciples asked Him about the end times and about His returning. He explained to them in detail. He perhaps did not satisfy all their curiosity but He gave them all the details that He wanted them to know, and therefore us. He said, See. I have told you everything you need to know beforehand. (Mark 13:23). The events of the last days will be so frightening that the only way to survive the shock of those days is to be aware of everything ahead of time. Hence, the instructions of Jesus. Those who take His words seriously, expect the bizarre. Those who ignore Him will die of heart failure because the events of that day will be so shocking and unexpected.
Be a student of Jesus' words. The words in red will save your life.
Oct 7, 2025