Jump Start # 3761
2 Timothy 4:2 “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.”
I am a preacher. That’s who I am. I preach God’s amazing word.
I recently listened to Steve Wolfgang give a presentation of his years in preaching. Steve is just a few steps ahead of me in age. We both came from the same congregation in Indianapolis. I knew his father and grandfather. Because of age difference, I never spent much time around Steve.
His presentation on his life in preaching was impressive. The list of academic degrees he has acquired, illustrated his deep understanding in advanced education. The historical organizations he was a part of shows that he is recognized as a true scholar. He has authored books. He has sat on many academic historical conferences. He is known as one of the leading restoration scholars among us. He listed the foreign countries that he has preached in through the years. What a stellar career he has had. He has done a lot of good in a lot of places. He has used his talent for the Lord. We are blessed to have his kind on this side of the kingdom.
But, as I listened to Steve tell the journey of his life, I thought about my journey. Although I have a passion for restoration history, I don’t have the degrees from universities. I’ve not authored any books. When speakers are sought for historical conferences, my name never comes up. I’ve not traveled the world preaching. In many parts of the kingdom, no one even recognizes my name. I’m just a preacher.
Our verse today, from an aged apostle to a young preacher, reminds him and us, of the great work of preaching. Preach the word, is what young Timothy was told. Preach it and preach it and preach it.
Here are some thoughts:
First, we are blessed to have so many gifted brethren among us. Don’t be jealous, be thankful. So many have shared their insights, wisdom and knowledge through the writing of books. Grab those books. Read them. Study them. I do not have a PhD. I have poured so many hours into books, research and study, I could probably have multiple PhDs. That’s what you do. You find out what others have read. You look at footnotes. You chase rabbits through the weeds of research. You learn. You grow. You benefit from others.
Second, I am a preacher and every week I get to stand before a crowd and present the word of God from my heart. What a great blessing that is. There are amazing brethren I have been able to teach and build faith in their lives. How incredible it is to teach the Gospels of our Lord. How amazing it is to bring understanding from books like Ezekiel or Revelation.
Some of the best workers in the kingdom are simple preachers who hardly anyone knows. They go about their work very quietly but do amazing things. They keep congregations strong. They set things in order. They get elders to be true shepherds. They teach another generation that will carry on the torch for our King. Known by Heaven, they could walk in a crowd of brethren and most wouldn’t know them. They do not seek attention. They are not on the national scene. They don’t know much of what is going on outside their own community. They work with a handful of brethren, doing what they can. They teach the lost. They encourage the faithful. They shape hearts for our Lord.
Third, generations ago, the vast majority of preachers were farmers by day and preachers by night. In the writings of history, their names are not included. They held no debates. They didn’t write for the papers. They preached few meetings. But they poured their life blood into preaching the Gospel of Christ. It was this kind, that turned congregations back toward the Scriptures. It was this kind that stood at the helm during the storms when progressive spirits wanted to go a direction other than the Biblical pattern.
Today, when a look to the past takes place, their names are forgotten. Their bodies lie in small country cemeteries sprinkled throughout the land. Their souls rest with the Lord, awaiting that grand resurrection one day. Their battles were mostly within the congregation where they labored. They were paid very little. They struggled financially, while others in the congregation prospered abundantly. Yet, these dedicated servants of the Lord, loved Jesus and the work that they were committed to.
They were simply preachers of God’s divine word. They taught us to use our talents as best as we can for the Lord. A new generation that seeks to make a name, seek prestige and to be known, could learn so much from these simple preachers. What good they have done.
Thank you, Steve. You kind has helped me in ways you may never know. I’m thankful for those thousands who have not bowed their knees to the idols of our day. Known but to God, they are valuable to the Lord’s kingdom.
I am a preacher. That’s who I am. I preach God’s amazing word. And, what an honor and blessing that is.
Roger