Yesterday, I posted a review of Words of Life, by Timothy Ward. Though this is a book on the doctrine of Scripture, there is some good writing on preaching as well. After all, it is very difficult to separate any serious study of the Word from the delivery of the word through preaching. Ward has included an interesting paragraph on the prophet Jeremiah that is worthwhile for all preachers and is a reminder, not only of the task that we are called to, but of the gravity of the words we speak.
Jeremiah is appointed by God to have power over nations and kingdoms, but this power comes only from the divine words God has put in his mouth. Only God has this power over nations, Jeremiah, as his deputized speaker, is given the same power only in that he speaks words given him by God–words which therefore can perform what God intends them to perform. Jeremiah will speak ordinary human words in an ordinary human language; God does not put magic formulae or a previously unknown heavenly language into Jeremiah’s mouth. yet still those words will also be God’s words.
But, you may object, Jeremiah was an Old Testament prophet. Preacher, be mindful, Jeremiah and the other Old Testament prophets did exactly what we are called to do each time we enter the pulpit (or step on stage, or stand behind a podium, you get the picture). Jeremiah stood before the people and declared the Word of God…”Thus says the Lord.”
Preacher, when you stand before your people, your words should be God’s words. You claim, whether explicitly or not, that you speak the words of God, your people expect to hear God speak to them when you speak. But, preacher, be mindful that the word your people receive is the very living word of God. Tie yourself to the Scripture, speak only the Bible. Anything else you have to offer is subservient to the Word of God and is not life-giving.
Your people do not need your drivel, they need Jesus, and Jesus, the Living Word, will be revealed as you stand and boldly, with fear and trembling, proclaim the spoken and written Word of God. Preacher, give them Jesus!
