“For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!” 1 Corinthians 9:16
When Saul of Tarsus was called by God, being converted on the road to Damascus, it was in view of him becoming an apostle, not by his efforts but according to the purpose and will of God. A very significant part of that calling was to be a “preacher” of Christ, primarily to the Gentiles, or to the non-Jewish nations of the world. With that calling, although as he mentioned in his second letter to the Corinthians, “…the love of Christ compels us,” there was laid upon him the burden of reaching all he could, according to the will of God, with the saving message of the Gospel. He became as an athlete “leaning” into the line, a runner stretching forth towards the goal. He was also at the same time as a farmer, laboring in the fields of the world, to bring the truth of Christ, and His saving work, to all who would receive it. From the day that Paul met Christ, not only did the entirety of his life and pursuits change, but God by His Spirit brought to bear in his own heart a focus upon the matter of preaching the gospel, and communicating to the church, and every living member of it, the knowledge of God’s ways. By such knowledge, not only would the Spirit of God work to save the souls of men but edify and build up the living body of Christ, the church, throughout the world. Paul’s calling was specifically a universal one, where he sought to make Christ known where He had never been heard of before. With the revelation of Christ, and the personal discovery of what God had saved him from, there was revealed to Paul that which God had saved him for, and that, primarily to KNOW Christ, and the power of His resurrection. Paul’s race against time, and every enemy to faith, began the day of meeting Christ. It would be as he embraced that calling, that the weight and responsibility would impress him to ever go onward, looking increasingly upward for the abounding grace of God to fulfill his ministry. Why is it so very important that believers today consider the person, and ministry of the Apostle Paul? It is because every believer is a part of the same mission, the same objective that Christ gave to His disciples before He was taken up into heaven at the moment of His ascension.
What then is this mission, or this Great Commission? And what is the role of every believer with respect to that calling and objective?
The answer begins by heeding the words of the angel sent to shepherds around Bethlehem the night of Christ’s birth: “Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to ALL PEOPLE. For there is born to you this day in the city of David, a Savior who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10,11) In that declaration is revealed the will and purpose of God, His love for all nations and all peoples, and His provision of a Son, a Savior, “…born unto you,” who is Christ the Lord.
After the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, the Lord Jesus would give to His disciples the command to go and make disciples of ALL nations, baptizing and teaching them Christ’s commandments. This was possible because of the authority and power which had been given to Him by the Father, and now which was communicated to the disciples. Paul the Apostle became effective in his calling because he learned to live by the faith of Christ. Every believer, regardless of the individual calling in the body of Christ, is called to live under Christ’s authority and power for the fulfillment of the great commission, and the building up of the church.
The weight of responsibility to reach the world rests upon Christ’s shoulders, but the “necessity” of it compels us.
Dear Father, Quicken us afresh today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.