11/04/2020
Do we proclaim the mystery of the gospel of Jesus to those who would hear? Do we ask those around us to pray for us so that we will have the right words to speak when we do? We wear the armor of God, and the last article described by Paul is the sword, which is prayer in the spirit, but do we ask others to wield that sword for us so that we will receive the words to speak, and do we swing it into action for other disciples as well?
“and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,”
Ephesians 6:19 ESV
Have you ever been tongue tied? Have you desperately wanted to say something but the words just wouldn’t come out? I have had this happen before, and many young men have experienced the same thing... especially when talking to a girl who they have strong feelings for. Suddenly we find that all those things we imagined that we would say to her have been placed in a pot and stirred together into some nonsensical stew. Sometimes the wrong words come out, sometimes idiotic thoughts, but quite often we just utter sounds like “uhhhh.”
We often find ourselves doing this in our faith when trying to tell others about Jesus Christ. Suddenly our ability to speak a meaningful thought is gone, and what was so easily rehearsed in private is lost to us before others. This is why Paul is asking the Ephesians to intercede for him in prayer. He not only wants to be bold, but also to be given the right words to speak. Like Paul we know that we are to speak of Jesus, and we intuitively know what we are to say, but sometimes we need more than just our own prayers to make that happen... sometimes we need spiritual reinforcements... the prayers of our friends.
“for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”
Ephesians 6:20 ESV
So, do we ask for prayer from the saints surrounding us as we head out to perform the gospel mission that Jesus has sent us on? How about when it is our turn to reinforce others as they go forth to deliver the good word? In either case, we should not be remiss in our efforts; we should seek the prayers of others to strengthen us, and give encouragement to others as we pray for them on their behalf.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for sending us out into the world to deliver the gospel of your Son Jesus Christ, and thank you for the prayers of every saint who prays that we will go forth boldly, and that we will deliver the gospel word effectively. Thank you also Lord for laying on our heart the need to pray for others, as we ask you that their ministry, and mission of mercy and grace might be fulfilled through your promise, and our prayerful intercession on their behalf. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you who fills our hearts with love, and gives us the words to express that love... the gospel of Jesus. Praised be your name for answering every prayer delivered on our behalf to strengthen us as we speak your Word, and for each of our prayers as we ask that you embolden and make literate the delivery of the good word of Jesus Christ by the other Saints. Wash each of us clean with the blood of Jesus, and make us worthy to be your children. Find us acceptable to you, and invite us to sit at your table forevermore. In this way we will praise you always, and worship you with all our being.
“Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.”
2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 ESV
Rich Forbes