| In ancient times, before the innovations of modern technology, there were runners that would run a message to wherever, for whoever wanted it proclaimed. They were called heralds. In 2 Samuel 18 we read of Absalom demise. Joab wanted to send a herald to King David to tell him what had become of his son. He choose a Cushite to run, but there was Ahimaaz son of Zadok who was eager to run with the news of victory. He was so eager, when Joab answered him no, Ahimaaz persisted, until Joab gave in. 2 Samuel 18:23 ” He said, “Come what may, I want to run.” So Joab said, “Run!” Then Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain and outran the Cushite.” Ahimaaz didn’t have the message that the Cushite had been given, he wanted to run with his own message. He didn’t try to imitate the Cushite but was true to his own purpose. He wanted to proclaim the victory of the Lord. Years ago, in the church I attended we would gather every Wednesday night. Part of the service was called Testimony, where who ever wanted to could stand and testify of the goodness of the Lord. This one night one of our elderly ladies stood up and began to testify. She called out, “God saved me from drinking. He saved me from killing my enemies. He saved me from cheating on my husband. He saved my soul from hell.” Followed by many “Amen, sister.” Being a young convert, I had questions. After service she explained to me, praise God, she had never killed an enemy or cheated on her husband but she knew she was a sinner saved by grace and capable of that and much worse. Each of us are called to be heralds. Each of us has been given a message to run with. It’s our witness to the world, it’s our “Look what the Lord has done!” It is the message of the Good News, the Gospel. The most effective gospel is one that is personal, written by experience on the tables of your heart. No matter what your background, no matter your affiliations, if you have been born again, you can testify all things are past away, all things have become new. It doesn’t matter where your platform maybe. You have a responsibility to herald the message. Your platform maybe behind a pulpit or it maybe in line at the grocery store, the location is unimportant. The message is what counts. Let’s be so eager like Ahimaaz we won’t take no for answer and let’s run. Psalms 71:15-18 Deuteronomy 32:2 Psalms 118:17 Matthew 28:19 2 Timothy 4:2 What is the message the Lord has given you? I would love to hear from you. You can leave a comment below or email at [email protected]. Rev. Denise Much |
