Steven A. Bush - January 10, 2021
The Charge to Preach The Word
In 2 Timothy 4:1-2, Paul writes to his son in the faith Timothy the following charge: "I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching." (ESV) Many refer to 2 Timothy as Paul's last will and testament. He writes it before his beheading at the hands of Nero. But the charge penned to Timothy is also a charge to all who are called to shepherd God's flocks. When we say we will preach the Word, narrowly we mean the Good News of Jesus Christ as Savior & Lord. More broadly, we mean what Paul called the Whole Counsel of God. That means God's Word as it pertains to all things, big and small, far and wide. Jeremiah 15:16 was written during Judah's downfall, when Babylon invaded and Jerusalem was laid in ruins. With exile and captivity unfolding, the weeping prophet cried out to God: "Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by Thy name, O LORD God of hosts." (KJV) May those words ring true for all who preach the Word as well as those who welcome it into their hearts...