One might think that after you have been established where you are sent, and after you arrive where you are going, and after you have earned some credibility among the people you are sent to – that then and only then can you effectively preach the Gospel. But Jesus does not teach that. That is human wisdom, not divine wisdom. Jesus’ instruction is actually much simpler and much easier to follow, “As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’”
Jesus says, ”As you go.” Meaning, “As you are on your way.” As you begin the journey. As you are on the journey. As you are almost done the journey. All along the way, you are to preach the Good News that God’s Kingdom is not far from anyone. It is as close as repentance. It is right there, even with you that very day, as you preach it. For this is not your own Gospel, it is Jesus’ Gospel. It is the divine message. The Good News that John the Baptist preached. It is the grace of God to all of us. That God forgives, and we can yet find restoration to our true purpose as children of God! It starts with recognizing how close His Kingdom really is, and recognizing that we have a call to reach for it – to actually repent and so enter His Kingdom.
That the Gospel is to be preached at all times and at all places is paramount. It is the first thing Jesus tells his discipleship group to do. It becomes the primary charge of every disciple and of every minister of the Gospel. The value and importance of that far outweighs every other thing we can do. Of course, one cannot say that to devalue ministry to others in addition to preaching the Gospel. Ministry is a wonderful thing. There is an inherent value in healing others. Not merely because they become grateful, but because it brings hope. It brings hope to them, and to those who love them. But what good is healing if the healed have no internal peace with God? It is a wonderful miracle if the dead are raised, but what profit is there in raising the dead if those who believe because of it do not believe on the God who does the miracle to start with? It is a terrific thing to cleanse lepers from sickness, to remove both the disease and the stigma that another suffers under. But what value is there in cleansing lepers or even in driving out demons, if those rescued from bondage to decay and the demonic wind up dying in their sins later?
We must give priority to the preaching of the Gospel. This is not just the call of the apostle. It is the call of every disciple. As the Word exhorts us, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”
So it is – hear the charge from Jesus, “As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’” Know the charge from His Word! “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”
Ministry is a necessary support tool. It opens doors and holds them open so the message can be heard. But it is not and cannot be a replacement for Gospel proclamation.
The church cannot possibly exist without preaching the Word. Preaching has power like nothing else the church has or does. Moreover, preaching reaches more people than anything else the preacher can do, whether it is teaching, visiting, administrating, or counseling.
Stephen Olford
APPLICATION: Intentionality
Are you where you need to be in the balance between speaking for Him and ministering for Him?