Spreading the Good News.
We are going to read Paul’s second letter to Timothy for the next couple of weeks. In this first section Paul has a great deal to write about his driving purpose in life – he wants other people to know about Jesus and what it means to follow Him. He doesn’t beat about the bush, or complain that the task is particularly difficult, but he does seem to appreciate that his time is limited. His underlying conviction is that he is the bearer of Good News, and he wants to share it with as many people as possible. So at this point in his life he wants to urge Timothy to continue with this vital task of spreading the Good News. As you read this week try to catch a glimpse of the urgency Paul brings to the task, and reflect on whether this same urgency is evident in Church life these days.
v 1 I have been sent out to tell others about the life he has promised through faith in Christ Jesus.
As you read more about Paul you begin to realise that he did not choose to be a missionary preacher – it is more a case that he was sent, or appointed or called by God to the task. Not only did it dominate his thinking, it was a full time activity. He may have earned his living as a tentmaker (Acts 18:3), but he was also generously supported by various churches (Philippians 4:15-16) as he fulfilled his missionary purpose. Indeed, the very word ‘Apostle’ which Paul often uses to describe himself means simply ‘a person who has been sent.’ It speaks to me of the role of an Ambassador: in fact that is another title Paul uses for himself as in Ephesians 6:20 “ I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should. “ As an Ambassador, he belongs to one Kingdom, the Kingdom of Heaven, and has been sent by his master as a representative to speak on behalf of his master. That’s a good description of a Christian evangelist – but it can also be used to describe the role of every Christian. As opportunities arise we speak up on behalf of Jesus. For sure, some speakers are more prominent than others, but ambassadors for Jesus are needed in every home, workplace and club.
Keep an eye open this week for opportunities to be an ambassador for Jesus wherever God puts you!
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