No Matter the Weather

Posted by Karen on Oct 2, 2012 | 0 comments

Derived from a quote referring to the courier service of the ancient Persian Empire, an inscription on the James Farley Post Office in New York City reads: “Neither rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.”

No matter the weather—whether pleasant or harsh—US postal workers have faithfully delivered the written words of others. This notable fact strikes a common chord in the Scriptures: “Preach the Word; be ready in season and out of season…” (2 Tim. 4:2a, ESV).

Consider these translations of the same verse (underlines added):

“…preach the message… insist upon proclaiming it (whether the time is right or not)…” (GNT)

“…proclaim the message. Be ready to do this whether or not the time is convenient…” (ISV)

 “…proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable…” (NRSV)

“Make a public proclamation of the Word… when opportunity presents itself and when it does not…” (EXP)

Why is the Apostle Paul so emphatic about this point? Because this is his last letter, and these are his last words, and he wants his son in the faith, Timothy, to faithfully carry the torch of the Good News of God’s Savior into the future.

No matter the social environment—whether hospitable or hostile (i.e. regardless of political correctness)—let us also heed the charge to be bold in declaring the marvelous meaning of the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ while people still have an ear to hear the truth.