More Than Mere Messengers

We understand that the Word of God is itself living and active (Heb 4:12), and that it is life to us (Dt 32:47; Mt 4:4). We also understand that life-giving faith comes by hearing this word, and that the dead cannot come to life unless we who are alive in Christ proclaim this word (Rm 10:14-17). But I’m not sure we are always aware of how important is how we deliver the word.

I do not refer to technique or skill. We evangelicals have worked hard and long at crafting these things and training people in them, and these may be helpful to a point. And we are not wrong when we acknowledge that the power that brings salvation is not in the proclaimer but rather in the gospel being proclaimed (Rm 1:16). But we are the agents of proclamation, and it is important that we understand we are more than messengers. We are even more than heralds, though the NT clearly teaches we are that. But the fullest expression of how we deliver the gospel is that we are witnesses.

We know from Jesus himself that the biblical text alone does not bring life to those who reject the Word personified (Jn 5:39). But when Jesus proclaimed the word there were indeed many who believed and came to life, because he spoke with authority (Mt 7:28-9). When we carry this same gospel message we too speak with authority. But we do more than that.

We know from careful study of the NT word kerysso that we proclaim the word as a herald. As such we are called to not only deliver the King’s message but to do so with the proper tone and demeanor. We herald the gospel. But we do still more than that.

The height of our calling is beautifully pictured in Luke’s account of what happened on the road to Emmaus (Lk 24:13-35). Cleopas and another disciple were discussing Scripture about the Messiah. While it doesn’t start out looking like an evangelistic enterprise, when Jesus inserts himself into their discussion they essentially declare the gospel to him, notably including even their own amazement at the claims of their friends that they had seen the resurrected Lord (vv.19b-24). They quote Scripture and declare their hope, but they are deflated and impotent as heralds even in the presence of their Savior.

But something happens that completely changes their demeanor and their presentation. When Jesus breaks bread with them and they finally SEE him, something clicks. They are no longer mere messengers. They are no longer poor heralds, “slow to believe” their own message (v.25). They are witnesses! See how different is their testimony now! “Weren’t our hearts burning within us while he was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us?” (v.32).

And so it is with us, whether in the pulpit, or in line at the DMV, at the coffee shop, or at our dinner table. We are called to do more than quote Scripture, and more even than to try to herald the good news with an appropriate amount of hutzpah. We are called to see Jesus, and to so delight in him that we can’t help but run to declare, “The Lord has truly been raised!”

Yes, the Lord will work through his Spirit and his Word to bring souls to life. But how much more fitting if we are first overflowing with his life before we carry the good news to others! We must walk with him, commune with him, and see him for who he is, and then we can be more than mere messengers – we can be witnesses!

Breathe on me, O Life of Heaven

Let your breezes blow afresh

Stir my soul back into motion

Come awake my lifelessness

Come awake my lifelessness!

Move me

Jesus, flow through me

Move me

Jesus, flow through me!

(lyric from the song Still Waters)