Few quotes in recent history have been as pointed and memorable as Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s comments when offered an opportunity by the United States to evacuate Ukraine. Defiantly, Zelenskyy announced, “The fight is here; I need ammunition, not a ride.” During the Russian invasion of Ukraine in the last week, Zelenskyy has proven himself a more than able leader and an opportunistic evangelist for Ukraine.
Given opportunities in behind microphones and in front of cameras, Zelenskyy has tried to speak directly to the Russian people, he has challenged western democracies, he has rallied his own people, and has sought immediate inclusion in the EU. Zelenskyy, a former comedian and TV actor understands the medium of video and he uses everyone opportunity to promote his message, rally his people, and defend his homeland.’
For Christians, the task of preaching should be carried out as opportunistically as the president of Ukraine has proclaimed his words of hope and his pleas for help. Usually, when one thinks of preaching, the idea that comes to mind is a Sunday morning service or perhaps an evangelistic crusade. However, throughout the book of Acts, much of the preaching is preaching of opportunity rather than pre-planned sermons.
When Peter stood up at Pentecost and delivered the greatest sermon in the history of the church, he did so in response to the mockery coming from the crowd around him. As the crowd laughed and jeered, Peter responded,
“Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. 15 For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day.[b]16 But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel . . .
Acts 2:14-16
Peter didn’t have an invitation to preach in a beautiful cathedral. Peter stood in the public and responded to jeers and mockery with the gospel. Peter was presented with an opportunity and used it to preach Jesus.
Peter was not a pastor or a professional speaker. Peter was a preacher. But Peter didn’t allow his past or his lack of professional training to stop him from proclaiming the message of Jesus.
Followers of Jesus throughout the book of Acts made the most of their opportunities. Ananias preached the gospel to a blind Saul. Philip shared hope with an Ethiopian eunuch. Paul preached in synagogues and on Mars Hill and in chains. Peter and John used their arrests as excuses to preach.
What were the Acts of the Apostles? Primarily, their acts were speaking God’s word through the power of the Holy Spirit to a lost and dying world, and the apostles used every opportunity that was presented to them.
Do you look for chances to share God’s love? Do you make opportunities to preach the gospel?
Photo by Maria Oswalt on Unsplash
