Paraphrase: (11/9/00)
14 But unless they hear a preacher, they cannot believe in Him we preach. And if they do not believe in Him, why would we expect them to call on Him? 15 And if we don't send preachers to them, who will preach there? Scripture tells us that the one who brings good news is beautiful to those who receive him.
Key Verse: (11/9/00)
10:14 - The responsibility lies with us. If preachers are not provided to those who need to hear the good news, they are highly unlikely to come to Christ.
New Thoughts (11/10/00)
How shall they be known as dedicated to the Lord in whom they have not placed their confidence? And how will they trust in God as able to save if they have not heard what is announced? And how shall they hear effectually so as to perform what is spoken without one who proclaims openly that which has been done? And how shall they deliver with formality, gravity, and authority that which must be heard and obeyed unless they are sent forth on that mission?
But also, how shall that hearing be effectual except the Holy Spirit open their ears to hear it? And whom shall He send with the proclamation? And who will equip these workers for the work at hand? As I noted above, not all are called to go in this passage, but the call is there to equip the one going. Send him. Provide for his physical needs, so that he may in turn provide for their spiritual needs. Provide him with the spiritual backing of prayer, so that he may come upon fields prepared for harvest. It's interesting to note that the need for a preacher is not said to be in the church. The church was intended as a place where Christians exercised the gifts God had given them; where each had a word of edification or a song of praise or a word of knowledge to share in common. It was a place to be equipped, not a place to dwell in. The office of preacher was largely intended to spread the Gospel beyond its current reach, to take the Word of salvation to those who hadn't had not effectively heard the news. We have radically altered the mission in our day. The preacher is now there to comfort the believer who should no longer need that comforting. He's there to teach those that ought to already know. He's there to guard those who ought to already be fully protected by the armor God has provided them. Rather like we have done with our government, we have tried to allow the church to take on the responsibilities we were intended to have. We've given over child care, child training, social safety nets, personal security, and almost every other physical responsibility known to man to the government - and always to our detriment. That same culture of ease has caused us to turn over all our spiritual responsibilities to the preacher. No wonder so many of them fall! We've asked them to carry not their own burden, but the burden of entire neighborhoods! Moses couldn't stand beneath that weight, why would we expect our pastors to? I'm as guilty as the next in this. Yes, I do my studies here, I spend some moments in prayer when it's convenient, but mostly my 'work' is restricted to the church grounds. I may bring up my church life in conversation, but I don't pursue the work of the Gospel. I more discuss my life as it happens to involve church, rather than the God who happens to have chosen me, such as I am. To borrow from James: These things ought not to be. God, where's the boldness to speak as Your Spirit leads? Where's the willingness Paul had to be seen the fool if it could bring one person to his senses? How shall I cease from hiding the talent You have given me in this gift of salvation? Father, forgive me. Change me. I thank You that You have placed me in a position to support those more bold than myself. I thank You that through Your provision, I am able to provide for Your work to go forth, and yet… I would that You would choose to do more in me and through me, that Your name might be glorified.
