Withholding His Word?

“Now Joshua was old and stricken in years; and the LORD said unto him, Thou art old and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed” (Joshua 13:1).  “Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it” (Proverbs 3:27).  “I have given them Thy Word… As Thou hast sent Me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world… that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me” (John 17:14-21). 

When Joshua in years progressed,

Since by the Lord he was sustained,

There still was land to be possessed

Which God confirmed there yet remained. 

As long as Joshua had power,

This man of God did not withhold

The blessing given in that hour

To serve the Lord as he was told. 

The Lord has given us His Word,

And with His Gospel we are sent. 

Shall we withhold what we have heard

From souls who need to still repent? 

Our Lord has said, “Lift up your eyes”

And look upon the harvest fields. 

The one who sows His Word wise,

Rejoicing in the fruit it yields. 

Do not withhold the Word in youth

Or when advanced in later years,

For we are stewards of God’s truth

And debtors to this world’s ears.

We hold the key to heaven’s favor;

We have the truth that makes us free.

The Gospel of our Lord and Savior

Will save a soul eternally.   

We thank You, Lord, for Your salvation  

Which You have sent us to proclaim,

Withholding not Your invitation

To turn and call upon Your name!