Be An Amateur Preacher
Tuesday, September 26
Jonah 1:3-4 (NIV)
But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD. Then the LORD sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up.
Devotion
Professionals work in exchange for money. Amateurs pursue avocations out of love. Without love for Jesus and love for our neighbor, our work as priests of God makes us only resounding gongs and clanging symbols (1 Corinthians 13:1). Jonah lacked love for the Ninevites, so he ran. He was a prophet, a servant of God, but his initial response of disobedience was driven by his own interests and fears rather than love for God and his neighbors.
Professionals are more interested in keeping the job than doing the job. The hired hand will run like Jonah when they reckon the risk of obedience outweighs the reward. When preaching God's word gets too difficult due to perceived opposition, hired hands begin to selectively delete the needed truths that are likely to cause offense. Amateurs preach for love, remembering how we need to have our sins confronted to bring us to repentance. Remembering the amateurs who preached to us, we likewise take risks to bring others the same opportunities for repentance and faith in Jesus.
Today’s Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You that Your mercies are new every morning. I ask that You help me to always be aware of my servant’s status. Help me to honestly share Your word by speaking its complete truth, regardless how unpopular it may be in this world of compromise. Countless lost souls in this world are eagerly awaiting the truth they need to hear. Help me to be that voice that leads them to You, Lord. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
Think about those you love most and realize that where they spend eternity could be dependent upon your willingness to teach them the unpopular truths of the word of God. Yes, they may get angry with you, but won’t it be worth it when you see them in Heaven one day because of the seeds of truth you planted within them? Prayerfully ask God when and how you should approach them with His truth, and He will guide you. He will guide you.
Resources
- We are not born as professional disciples; we learn to disciple and become fishers of men. Sign up for School Of Discipleship, and get equipped with the tools you need to reach the unsaved.
- Read Jonah chapter one and examine where you’re at in your own personal pursuit of God’s calling.