Scripture

Psalms: 119:145-176 & 128, 129, 130
OT: Jer. 25:30-38
NT: Rom. 10:14-21
Gospel: John 10:1-18

Reflection

Speaking is a central component of our being saved, according to Paul (Romans 10:10-13). There is more to it than just us. In our American culture we are so individualistic that we miss the communal aspect of the faith far too easily.

The reason that speaking is important to our faith is that it impacts others. We have a role to play in other people hearing the gospel.

Paul writes,

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (Romans 10:14-17, ESV)

Folks can’t believe the gospel unless they have heard it proclaimed, which requires a speaker. Paul was not writing to pastors or full-time Christian laborers here. He is writing to the church in Rome. It was a community of people from every class and all different backgrounds. What was true of them? They were sent. This was not a special calling for a select few. It was the reality of being one who confessed with their mouth that Jesus is Lord.

If you say you are a Christian you are sent. You are sent as one who confesses with your mouth that Jesus is Lord. This is part of your identity as a follower of Jesus. Your “sent-ness” will be as unique as the person next to you. Yet, the message is the same. Some of us may become pastors or full-time laborers. Some of us will be doctors, lawyers, salesmen, day workers, stay at home parents. Whatever our sent-ness looks like it is still being sent and we must speak.

We don’t speak for the sake of ourselves. We speak for the sake of those around us. We speak so that others will believe and be justified.

Will you embrace your being sent?