When The Preach is Away
Preachers preach. That’s their work, their “occupation,” their life’s work! Preachers, “eat, sleep, drink, and live” preaching. It consumes us. We simply can’t do anything else and feel as accomplished in our day’s activities as we do when we’ve devoted the day to preaching. We do it via speaking, of course. But we endeavor as well to preach via writing, studying with the serious-minded, and in general conversations with those we encounter. And yes, if we’re “located” (as opposed to “circuit riding”), we look forward to speaking as often as the brethren will permit us to speak. But, dear brethren, we DON’T OWN THE PULPIT! No sir! We’re not the” exclusive” preacher at any place! We’re just “loud-mouthed church members” who have a fire in our bones (Jeremiah 20:9) who love to preach the saving power of God (Romans 1:16).
Occasionally, we preachers are asked to leave the comforts of our homes and journey to distant locations to preach God’s Word. Such opportunities are welcome, but present additional work, both physically and emotionally. It isn’t easy to be away from home, often without the family and friends from whom exhortation and admonition are constant. And often being unfamiliar with the particular spiritual needs of the requesting congregation, preachers know only to preach the word (2 Timothy 4: 1- 8). So, we choose our “best” (and often most recent) sermons, polish them a bit and take them with us to these protracted efforts in prayerful hope of doing good for those who attend. No, it isn’t like being home, but we soon learn that the family of God is loving, caring, and receptive to truth and righteousness wherever we go!
When the brethren at “home” are as strong and efficient in the gospel of Christ as they need to be, there is no fear of their departure from the faith! It grants the “local” preacher great comfort to know those at home will remain strong and energetic regarding Christ and His church. He knows there are men at home who possess the ability to preach and teach, and so his absence presents a welcomed opportunity for them to use their talents. He thanks God for their willingness to preach the truth and “stand in the gap” (Ezekiel 22:30).
Still, the preacher thinks often of those at home while he is away. Some are physically ill and near death. He prays God will care for them exquisitely and if He wills, permit a continuation of comfort and peace for them. If not, the preacher begs for a gentle release from this world into the next, and for God’s love to fill the void left in the hearts of those remaining. He thinks of the souls who need to obey the gospel and prays they will render that obedience quickly, even before his return home as the eternity of those souls rests in the decision to be obedient! He thinks of those who need to be restored to the Shepherd and Bishop of their souls, and again prays they will wait no longer to return to Christ and His church! And he prays for those who are consistent in their display of faithfulness. He prays they will not be negligent in that necessity, for he prays the brethren realize we are ALL in the view of Him who sees and hears our every action (Hebrews 4:12 – 13).
When the preacher is away doesn’t excuse the brethren from their faithfulness to their duties of serving the Master. There are no “vacations” in the service of Christ. Preaching away from home is not a vacation, though such occasions are often enjoyable and memory-making opportunities. Too many believe they are somehow “excused” from serving God if they are on vacation themselves, or if the local preacher, elders, teachers, or others, are absent from the local assembling. Not so! God knows where we are and what we’re doing at all times! By what authority does any Christian ignore his duties of being a child of God in service to King Jesus?
When the preacher is away, he prays for a safe trip home! At the close of every trip where I’ve been asked to preach away from home, I make this statement: “If God wills, I’m going home! If I reach my loving wife at home, then I’ve made it home. If I awake in the comforting bosom of Abraham (Luke 16: 19 – 31), then I will know I’ve made it home. Either way, I’m going home!” And with that proclamation, I get in my car and begin the return journey. While it would be a grand joy to see you all again face to face, it is greater to go to the Father’s eternal home! Where are YOU going even if the preacher stays at home? Think about that journey, dear friend!