"Preach the Word of God. BE PREPARED, whether the time is favorable or not.
Patiently correct, rebuke and encourage people with good teaching."
Many of us are familiar with the Boy Scout motto, "BE PREPARED". Now we know where they learned the phrase. This One Truth Today, like all truths has its origin from the Word of God!
The message was meant for preachers, teachers and leaders of men and women. As believer's we need to be prepared to preach the Word of God whether the time or place is favorable or not. It is our job to rebuke and also encourage people, based on the Word and its good teachings! There is a time coming, and some would even argue here, when people will no longer listen to the sound and wholesome teaching of the Lord. People will follow their own selfish desires and look for those who agree as they reject the Word of God and its truth! That time is all ready here for many.
A preacher is someone who proclaims publicly the Word of God. They have learned and digested the truth of the Lord and can give a sermon on His messages. They are advocates of the Gospel of Jesus Christ the Lord God. This includes pastors, Sunday school teachers, or for that matter anyone who proclaims the Gospel anywhere and at any time. If you are a true believer you too will be called upon to preach the Word of God. Are you prepared? The time or place may not be right but it will be your obligation to advance the Word of the Lord so that others can be Saved. There is a sense of urgency for each of us to know and love the Lord and His word and Gospel. Then when the opportunity arises you too can rebuke, encourage and teach the people you love with good teaching!
The Lord is not going to ask you if it is convenient or timely, only that you BE PREPARED. We have a duty to direct people to the right path and the knowledge of God. If there is something wrong in their lives that is going to lead them to death and damnation, it is up to rebuke as well as teach and encourage them about the Word of God. Remember where you came from and how you were Saved. Faith came from hearing the Word of God. Just as the Lord was inexhaustible and patient with us, we need to emulate Him in our preaching. We are armed with the Truth and we are proclaiming the right path. We need to be bold and persistent in our teaching and preaching. Most of all we need to, BE PREPARED!
