“…and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.” Ephesians 6:19-20
Friends, we have come to our final day of homework, our last portion of Scripture in the book of Ephesians before our final lesson together, and I am simply overwhelmed with gratitude. I will be forever changed by this journey we have taken together. In-depth Bible study is no joke. When God’s Word goes forth, it never returns void! I hardly ever have any idea what I’m in for when I sign up for this, but without fail, I emerge a changed woman every time. This has required commitment, dedication, determination, discipline, and steadfastness on your part. Well done.
If you are reading these words, you have made it to the end. You have run the race. You have come to the finish line. Thank you for running with me. Thank you for not giving up. I have prayed for you every day. I have envisioned your faces as you’ve poured over every word. I have asked the Lord to meet with you on the pages of His Word. I have believed the Lord for changed lives. I have prayed big, bold prayers. I have asked the Lord to raise up women who know and believe His Word and who live it out. I pray you are one.
If there is one thing we have learned through our study of Ephesians, I hope it’s this:
Know God’s Word, and live God’s Word…no matter the cost. Believe truth, and live truth. Walk the walk. Live lives that represent Christ well…no matter the cost.
As Paul prepares to close his letter to this church that he loves so much, notice that he doesn’t ask them to pray for his welfare. He is in prison. He is in chains. He has very tangible needs. The Ephesians know this, and how could Paul forget it. However, his prayer request is not for his own well-being. No. Rather, he asks them to pray that he would be bold and remain faithful in proclaiming the message of the Gospel to any and all that still need to hear it, and no matter the cost. His life is of no value to himself. His one goal and his highest aim is a bold proclamation of the name of Jesus Christ and the salvation that is found in Him alone.
Could the same be said of us? Do we boldly proclaim the mystery of the Gospel? Do we even understand what is at stake? Heaven rejoices when even one sinner comes to repentance. Do we? In this battle for souls, are we a voice above the crowd shouting the message of hope? Every day we are given is another opportunity to boldly proclaim. Time is short, and the harvest is plentiful. I cannot speak for you, but I for one will not keep silent. I will not be ashamed. I will boldly proclaim the Gospel, no matter the cost. Christ alone, the hope of all mankind, friend of sinners, Savior, Redeemer. There is no other name by which we are saved. Therefore, I will boldly proclaim His name. Will you join me as we shout in unison,
“Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
Leave a Reply