WOE IS ME IF I PREACH NOT THE GOSPEL!

WOE IS ME IF I PREACH NOT THE GOSPEL!

Now Pashhur the priest, the son of Immer, who was chief officer in the house of the LORD, heard Jeremiah prophesying these things. Then Pashhur beat Jeremiah the prophet, and put him in the stocks that were in the upper Benjamin Gate of the house of the LORD. —Jeremiah 20:1-2

If I say, “I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name,” there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot. —Jeremiah 20:9

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! —I Corinthians 9:16

The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. —II Timothy 1:5

            Is there in your “heart as it were a burning fire” and such is the burning that you cannot hold it in, but have to share it?  Jeremiah experienced persecution in his life— he was beaten and put in stocks— for speaking God’s Word.  Yet he could not stop from sharing God’s Word.  He had to share the fire that was burning within him.  How can God’s people hold back from what God wants them to say?  Jeremiah was compelled to speak what God desired him to speak, even if it meant persecution.

            The Apostle Paul had the same compelling to preach the gospel.  He said, “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!”  He also could not hold it in.  How can a follower of Jesus not share God’s Word with other people?  How can a follower of Jesus not share the good news about Jesus?  How can a follower of Jesus not warn people of the coming wrath?  How can a follower of Jesus not share the joy of knowing Jesus?  How can it be except it be lack of love for God and people?  How can it be except if be for disobedience?  What other reasons would it be?

            The motivation for our sharing the Word of God in any situation is “is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”  “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again” (II Corinthians 5:14-15). Does this describe you and I? Are we living for Him or for ourselves? Is His love compelling us?  Who will you seek to share our Lord Jesus with today?  Dear Father may I share Jesus with others today by the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son Jesus.  Yes, may this be so all for Your Honor and glory! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLX83HbefrI&list=RDFLX83HbefrI&start_radio=1