I am under obligation to both the Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish; so I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. – Romans 1:14-15
The apostle Paul was sure of one thing- that he was called to preach the gospel. Since he knew his calling, he therefore felt it was his obligation to preach to all those he came in contact with and those he was sent to. He was not only obligated but he was eager to do it. It seemed to be his passion and his desire. He did not shy away from it. He tackled the task head on. Neither would he be hindered- it did not matter the opposition, dangers, and uncertainties he would face. He was going to fulfill what his Lord called him to do. John Chrysostom writes concerning Paul’s eagerness and obligation to preach the gospel.
“Having taken on himself a task full of such great danger, a voyage across the sea, temptations, plotting, risings- for it was likely that one who was going to address so great a city, which was under the tyranny of godliness, should undergo temptations thick as snowflakes. He lost his life in this way, cut down by a tyrant. Yet still he was ready to undergo great troubles. In fact he was enthusiastic even in travail, even as one in haste. He was in a constant state of preparation.”
As recipients of this same gospel, what are we willing to do with it? Do we feel obligated to share it with others? And are we eager to do so? Will we let the certainty of opposition dissuade us from making known the salvation of Christ? I pray we won’t. I pray God will instill in each of us the burden to share His message of salvation with all those we come in contact with. I pray He will give us an eagerness to proclaim His message with all gentleness and respect. As we wait for God to bring us opportunities to spread the gospel, let us be found “in a constant state of preparation” for the glorious task.
As I pray for my brothers and sisters in Christ who have begun their mission trip to Asia, I realize that there is a mission field that needs to be addressed right here in my own backyard. I experienced the conviction when I left my colleague in the hospital without praying for God's hand to be on him, fearing the perceived consequences of being labeled a Jesus freak. But I also felt the joy of calling him back and praying for him over the phone, setting aside the frivolousness of my concern about my pride and focusing on doing what was right in God's eyes, requesting God's hand to be resting upon my friend. I need to be always vigilant to Satan's efforts to weaken my resolve to share the Gospel with others, taking advantage of every opportunity God gives me to make a difference in another's life to bring glory to God.
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