“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.” (2 Timothy 4:2 KJV)
After the Friday meditation on “When You Having One of Those Days,” I got responses that let me know that the message was specific sent by God through me, the specific messenger, for a specific purpose. For it was confirmed by the responses that the message spoke to several people as if it was intended just for them. My brother who has been in the ministry longer that me by several years sent a thumbs up and picture of people dancing in the aisle and in their pews. The caption said, “Preach!” I informed him I might have to do a one word meditation on that one. Well, I couldn’t do it, but you know that by now. However, I will take his inspiration and encouragement to charge you with using that same one word sometime while you are in service and your pastor is preaching the word. If you are present are even if you are attending virtually, as you hear him preach the word that God put on his heart from the Scriptures, shout out “Preach!” When everybody else thinks it is okay to assent silently, you shout out, “Preach!” While the pastor knows his job, such sincere feedback from the pew is encouraged, appreciated, and it is a vital part of the place above (Heaven)/pulpit/pew dynamics! Don’t worry, the pastor, if he is like me, is not preaching for man’s approval, but to fulfill God’s assignment to preach the word!
And listen, if the sermon is focused on sin or salvation from sin, say “Preach!” If you or comforted or even corrected, say, “Preach!” If the message lands on your feet or lifts you higher than the heavens, say “Preach!” I’ll tell you something, if there is no voice from the pews, I will tell myself when I know the truth is being proclaimed, “Preach preacher!” Ask anybody! Go enjoy your service! I got to go “preach” this morning! I must needs go to the church and stand at the sacred wooden desk and fulfill the charge to keep that I have! Enjoy service this morning! Don’t just be glad to be in the service! Be part of the service! Be blessed!
“For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” (I Corinthians 9:16 ESV)
Still committed to the climb, Mark L. King