A Word to Preachers and Teachers

Proverbs 30:5-6 Every word of God proves true;
he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Do not add to his words,
lest he rebuke you and you be found liar.  (ESV)

We like to talk a lot. We've all spent a lot of time reading and studying so we have an abundance of opinions on a multitude of issues - Be careful! Be very careful!!

"Not many of you should become teachers my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness" (Js. 3:1).

Brad, when you stand up to teach the word of God be very, very careful. "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" (Heb. 10:31). You can serve as His mouthpiece, but don't ever think that you can add anything of value to what God has already said by your cleverness, your smarts, or by diligent hard work. Your opinion is just that - your opinion! But "the word of God is living and active... discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart" (Heb 4:12). The word of God is transformational by it's very nature. My words are, well, just that, my words.

We are his ambassadors! "God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God" (2 Cor. 5:20).

God I present myself as a living sacrifice. I'm not much, but You are great. You are good and Your mercy endures forever. And it is not Your will that any of these little ones should perish (Mt. 18:14, cf. 2 Pt. 3:9). So Lord Jesus, I am Yours, Your vessel, for Your glory, a clay pot to be formed as You see fit... that in us, all the nations of the earth might be blessed. Come Holy Spirit.

In Jesus' name - Amen,
                                  Son 

Ambassadors

Matthew 10:7  And proclaim as you go, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.'  (ESV)

The mission of the twelve is virtually identical with the mission of Jesus. He is training them to do as He does. He is preparing them to continue the mission after His departure. They proclaim the same message, do the same miracles (v. 8), endure similar persecution (v. 18-23), receive the same reception (v. 40).

We are His ambassadors (v. 14-15). Our mission is to continue to do the same works as Jesus (both spiritual and physical). Our reception will be very similar: some will welcome our message others will hate it. Our speech should be Spirit-led (v. 20). We needn't worry much about those who are uninterested (v. 23). Just go, proclaim, do. The mission is urgent. Our goal is to be like Jesus (v. 25). That's why we're called followers!

I am Your mouthpiece. I am unqualified. A simple working-man. But I am sent. Teach me, Lord Jesus, to fear not (v. 31). Teach me to depend on the Spirit. Teach me to accept the same pay as You (v. 8). Teach me to find fulfillment in self denial (v. 39). Teach me to proclaim. Teach me about authority (v. 1). I am Yours: body & soul, mind & strength, spirit. I worship you Jesus as King and present myself as a living sacrifice.

In Your name - Amen,
                               Son