The Obligation to Preach the Gospel
For if I [merely] preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast about, for I am compelled [that is, absolutely obligated to do it]. Woe to me if I do not preach the good news [of salvation]! (1Cor 9:16)
Many of us are seeking growth in knowledge, understanding, qualifications, and growth in career and responsibility. Many witnesses have been arrested and conscripted into a good slavery – slaves of preaching the gospel, as the highest and best point in their career; and we find Paul, Peter and Isaiah as easy-to-reach examples for today’s inspiration. The Word of God is very precious – God’s Word creates, gives light, is good food, gives life, and is everlasting. Psalm 19 carries David’s most exquisite celebration of God’s Word, and concludes that it is to be desired and sought after above everything else, because it is “more precious than gold” and “sweeter than honey” (v.10).
The obligation to preach the Word of the Lord is well expressed by Paul as he says, “I am compelled, absolutely obligated, necessity is laid upon me, I am under orders from above” – from God himself – to preach. We notice the same fire in Peter who followed Jesus wholeheartedly and carried on the work of witnessing until death, and in Isaiah who turned not away but proclaimed and wrote what God said to his own people and to many other nations. All these three witnesses (and many others) went through similar stages: serious career, a miraculous encounter with God, self-discovery in God’s presence, repentance and then commissioning. The encounter was particularly a turning point; it was the nail that sealed the door to anything else other than God’s mission: For Paul it was the hot slap on the road to Damascus (Acts 9); for Peter it was the day-time miraculous catch of fish (Luke 5); and for Isaiah it was the startling extraordinary vision in the year King Uzziah died (Isaiah 6). Before these dramatic events, they were busy and working seriously, but God had a bigger and nobler assignment.
Seeing the obligation so expressed, what do you think? I suggest two important response directions; first, pay close attention to the Word of God as very precious indeed, so that you believe, receive and gain the eternal value of what He has offered. Secondly, pay attention to your own assignment in the matter of preaching God’s Word, and heed the call. Supporting gospel work is one of those assignments: today we are reminded of the work of Bible Society of Uganda, and we do well to support this work that ensures God’s Word is accessible to many and in their languages. We are also called upon to support preachers and mission organizations as we are able. Gospel work will never stop, even if the preachers or workers face difficulties and lack; God himself compels this work. We who join in and support it receive His blessings as He keeps it going.
God bless you!