It’s been said that never in the history of mankind has a study of the life of Jesus been more vital and rewarding. In an age of anxiety and despair, the ministry and message of Jesus speak more clearly than ever of God’s purpose for the world. Amid the chaos and confusion of our time people the world over are hungering for the good news of God in Jesus.
Perhaps the most significant responsibility that preachers are charged with is to deliver the good news of Jesus Christ who offers us freedom from anxiety, wholeness of life, and the opportunity to be beacons of hope in our families, in our communities, and in our world.
“I am, as Isaiah prophesied; a voice that cries in the wilderness: make a straight way for the Lord” (John: 1:23).
There is a story in which God is interviewing persons who want to be chosen as Jesus’ Apostles …
He says to one man, “If I should recommend you to My Son, what would you do for Him?” The man replies, “O Lord, if I am chosen, I will build shrines in His honor all over the world. They will be made of the finest materials, fashioned with the most expert craftsmanship, and their beauty, for all to see, would be unsurpassed.”
Then God asks a second man, “If I should recommend you to My Son, what would you do for Him?” “O Lord,” the man replies, “If I am chosen, I would design for Him the finest robes and they would be sewn by the most expert tailors, and their beauty, for all to see, would be unsurpassed.”
Then God asks a third man, “If I should recommend you to My Son, what would you do for Him?” “O Lord,” the man replies, “If I am chosen I will tell His story throughout the world and to the ends of the earth.” “And what is your name, son,” God asked. “Lord, my name is John,” the man replied.
