“I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season.” 2 Timothy 4:1,2
In the Old Testament, we have numerous examples of when a “charge” is given to someone. For example, there came a day when the Lord spoke to Moses about his coming death. In light of this event, He told Moses to call Joshua, who was to be his successor, that they should together present themselves before the Lord in the tabernacle, so that the Lord would give to Joshua His charge. (Deut. 31:14) This “charge” was the specific call of God to Joshua to BE strong, and to accomplish the will of God with regard to a certain task or mission. In Joshua’s case, it was very simply stated: “Be strong and of a good courage: for you shall bring the children of Israel into the land of which I swore to them, and I will be with you.” (Deut. 31:23) This charge would have its full effect, and moment of accomplishment after the death of Moses. The Lord would then say to Joshua: “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them, the people of Israel.” (Josh. 1:2)
After the remnant of the people of Israel had returned in part to the land of Israel, the Lord having made it clear to them that they were to rebuild the Temple of the Lord which had been destroyed, there came a day and a moment, when Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, would also be given a charge. This charge would come from the Lord after Joshua had been cleansed from certain sins, which were being used by Satan to resist and neutralize him in his ministry. God’s charge to Joshua was this: “Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘If you will walk in My ways, and if your will keep My command, then you shall also judge My house, and likewise have charge of My courts. And I will give you places to walk among these who stand here.” (Zech. 3:7) Joshua’s place, ministry, and position in Israel at that time was crucial to the ongoing work of the Lord, particularly with regard to the rebuilding of the temple, and the reestablishment of the true worship of God. God, by recommissioning His servant, and this after specifically dealing of cleansing him from sin, thus being set free from the condemnation and accusations of Satan, was called to be committed to God, wholly and without reserve, being devoted to being faithful to God above all others, so that God would work through him, accomplishing His will and purposes.
In the New Testament, a great many years after God charged Joshua Moses’ servant, and Joshua the high priest, there was another charge given of monumental importance. It came from the lips and heart of the Apostle Paul. In Paul’s words to his spiritual son in the faith, Timothy, he would write: “I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom.” (2 Timothy 4:1) Paul’s words were those of Christ by the Spirit, filled with truth and the power of the Spirit, directed at a specific time, for he too like Moses in his day with Joshua, would soon be departing out of this world. The content of the “charge” or admonition from God by the Spirit was very clear and simple, yet all encompassing: “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” (v.2) Why these words at this time, and in this manner? All three charges were given to men with a task before them, in the context of urgent need, primarily the revelation of the glory of God, and the salvation of men. The individual’s charge is God’s call to wholehearted obedient faith.
Dear Father, Make us faithfully obedient. In Jesus’ name, Amen.