Nougat 18

So we have accepted Jesus’ sovereignty, now what? Perhaps today’s Holy Nougat offers us ideas. Savor the flavor.

“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.” ‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

‘But I’m not a preacher’ you say. And in some ways, you are very right. Rumor has it, neither was Paul. Certainly not Peter! Moses was adamant that had a stutter; so much so, Aaron became his mouthpiece. Miriam, Shipprah and Puah were not quite public orators; but God took their willingness and transformed a nation. They were all God-chasers, and they had no doubt about Who was in charge.

True, we exist in a different era. And to some extent, it makes it less difficult because we have access to resources in ways the Ancient Near Eastern community didn’t. We also have God’s Secret Formula dwelling within: Jesus Christ. And since He is our Sovereign, we are able to get to Him rather quickly. The Hebrews author takes almost six chapters to help us understand this (see Hebrews 4-10). So we have an advantage.

While our nougat speaks directly to the business of preaching, we may recall that the Great Commission invites us to ‘mentor’ or ‘disciple’. This means, like Peter and the others, we are not obliged to all be theologians. But, in obedience to our sovereign, we help displaced people find refuge in Heaven. Yup; that’s our Jesus mandate. Francis of Assisi is quoted saying preachers must establish a prayer life away from the public sphere that will light a fire within and radiates without. It is our first priority. And when relying on God’s Spirit, even our lives will be sermons for the world to hear.

We’re also living in an era where believers (Christians) have lost our credibility. If we stop long enough, we’ll recognize it as a ploy of the enemy. Tempt enough of us, and we ourselves despair of each other. In fact, we have succumbed to another form of temptation – in fighting. But a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. And since our All-powerful Sovereign is not defeated, it may be time for mending fences and working together. For we serve the same Lord.

And since Thomas of Assisi prioritizes prayer; we pray for each other, with each other as regularly as we can. In so doing, we strengthen our relationships as well as each other. That’s just as powerful as the spoken sermon.

Yes, some of us are specifically gifted and called to preach on a regular sustained basis. Those called to do so – we must. It is our Sovereign’s desire. And His wish ought to be our command. The others of us, when called by God, *will find* that God’s ready to equip us just as God has done for countless others. The informal opportunities will come; so we must make ready.

Lord, to You we come. With imperfections and abundance/shortfalls. Your Word assures each of us that You are able to equip us for the tasks assigned. So we yield to You, bending our will to You Who raised from death to grant us full access to Your glory. Forgive our disobedience as You calm our fears. Thank You in advance dear Jesus, amen

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May all we seek be found in Christ