“And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.” (1Timothy 1:12-14 KJV)
Forty-two years ago today I preached my first sermon. No manuscript. No notes. Very little knowledge. Just my Bible and the Holy Spirit. My homiletics followed the example of older preachers around me. “Just open your Bible, then your mouth and let ‘er fly.”
I truly do not know how I gained the courage to stand in that pulpit that day. Somehow I did and preached from the text of John 3:16. It was the longest five minutes of my life. I do not remember what I said. There were neither three points nor a poem. Despite being a novice in the homiletical tradition, that sermon was and still is committed to God.
After my five minutes in the spotlight two important things occurred. First, at the invitation, one of my sisters walked down the aisle for prayer. Second, as everyone greeted me, an old preacher said, “I enjoyed your little sermonette sonny.” And instead of recognizing that the repentant soul was evidence of God’s anointing and confirmation, I allowed that old preacher’s condescending analysis of my sermon to afflict me for years.
Over the years, I have preached several sermons and received an assortment of reviews from the audience. But I remember God’s word is sharper than a double-edged sword (Heb. 4:12) and is inspired by God. It is “profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” It is the adequate tool that equips the man of God for every good work of God (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
The preached Word of God is the power of God unto salvation. It offers healing and comfort. It offers forgiveness and mercy and peace. It brings hope. It provides an opportunity to hear God. And through it God touches the hearer at the deepest thought, the lowest hope, the weakest faith, and the greatest dream. And he encourages the hearer to believe in him — accept his plan — and pursue his purpose.
With Paul I say, “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry.” I want to serve Christ and his church by faithfully preaching the Word of God thereby unlocking doors for others to pass through. I can certainly improve and I yearn to be a better preacher and pastor.
Dear Father, thank you for calling me into the ministry. Anoint me to preach truth and understanding to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be courageous today by faithfully practicing your ministry,