October 26–Preach the Word
Yesterday, I was at the funeral of a precious saint of God. Testimonies were given about her faithfulness and her devotion to God. What a legacy! And on my way home, I got a phone call from my co-workers who said “Pam, are you alright? You were supposed to be at work 30 minutes ago!” After much stammering and trying to explain I was 40 minutes away, but I was dressed and could be there ASAP. Then, they broke out in giggles and had a big laugh over tricking me like that!
That’s a silly example, but we DO have to be prepared at any given moment to preach the word. All sorts of things we are called on to do, we can spend some time studying or “asking the Google” but when we are called on to speak Life to someone, we need to be instant. All of us as children of God are commissioned to be prepared.
“I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths.”
2 Timothy 4:1-4 NLT
Be prepared. If you have to go to a doctor, you surely don’t want him or her to say “Hang on, let me look up your symptoms.” You expect that he has been to school, studied hard, and honed his skills in residency, right? How much more important is someone’s spiritual life? Bob Hudson said “This life is too short to take seriously but the next one is too long not to.” And once we have been saved by the blood, it is our responsibility to share the Good News.
Paul says “Preach the word” but he makes sure we know that it's not going to be easy. Obviously, we know not everyone is going to want to hear God's Word, but we are told to do it anyway. Just like in the first century, we shouldn’t expect lots of encouragement, but also just like then, we need to do it out of obedience to our Lord. Speaking God's truth in love with plenty of patience is one of the most important things we can do. God's Word is alive and even if we aren’t overwhelmed with encouragement from others, it is one of the best things we can do for ourselves. Talking about our faith out loud with others solidifies us and enables the Spirit to strengthen and fill us. The Word of God is powerful and is and useful for teaching, correcting and encouraging the body of Christ to live passionately for Him. He must be our focus, not the world nor the world's values.
Dear Jesus,
Thank you Lord for you Word and the life it brings. Help us Lord to prepare—to study and learn your your principles. Teach us not to fear rejection but remember that You were rejected for speaking and living the truth in the most brutal of ways. Help us to "shake the dust" and not get down when people don't accept Your truth. We want to keep our eyes on you, lovingly do Your will and not look to others approval or permission. We praise you Father for you are our God and we worship at your feet. Hallelujah to the Lamb that was slain. Amen and amen.
Love you dear one,
Pam
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