Deuteronomy 18:19-21 I myself will call to account anyone who does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name. But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, is to be put to death.” 1 Corinthians 9:16 For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!
Last Sunday right in the middle of my pastoral prayer at the 11:00 service I was overcome with the thought, “What are you doing here?” I suddenly felt out of sync and out of place. I finished my prayer and the feeling subsided. The next morning I remembered that feeling during my prayer time and wondered if Satan was not trying to upset me. But suddenly an assurance came to me that this was not the case. The presence of God was evident in that service. What I had experienced in that moment was such a strong personal sense of God’s presence that I could not stand before it. What I had felt was truly, “Who am I to try to speak on Your behalf? I am so small compared to You.” Someone wrote in an article on preaching recently that one ascends the steps to the pulpit each week with fear and trembling in hopes of delivering the Word of God without being struck dead. I’m glad I live through my sermons but never take lightly the seriousness of speaking about and on behalf of the Lord God Almighty. Whether you preach, or teach or deliver God’s word through example may you also at times have that experience of standing on holy ground.
Holy God, we ask that the words we speak on your behalf be true and acceptable in your sight. Please guide, protect and lift us up each day. Help us to discern and convey your Truth to others. Amen.
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