Last time, we learned that we are Christ’s heralds. We learned that a herald completely represented the king. He had his king’s protection and was “the voice of the crown”.

Heralds during the Middle Ages made proclamations of royal commands or invitations to tournaments. As Jesus’ herald, we proclaim that God is Creator, or Jesus is returning, or He desires obedience. We invite people to the marriage feast of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7 – 9) for all who know Him.

Contrary to popular thought, a herald did not blow a trumpet when announcing the king’s message. But, he might have had a trumpeter with him to alert people to listen to the king’s message. The message itself did not do the attention-grabbing. In the same way, we should not be loud or draw attention to ourselves. The message we deliver should also clearly be from the King. So, whenever we talk to people about Jesus, we should use the Word of God to ground our statements. God promises in Isaiah 55: 11 that His word, “always produces fruit.” He promises that His Word will have an effective impact on people’s hearts the way He wants it to.

If you feel uncomfortable relating what God is saying in His Word, keep in mind that it’s God’s message, not yours. As a herald, your message may go against popular thinking or opinion. If someone calls you narrow-minded for believing what you do… they are criticizing God, not you.

Of course, we need to deliver God’s message as He would, with love, not rudely or insensitively. 2 Timothy 4: 1 – 2 commands us to proclaim the Word of God. We explain Who Jesus Christ is and that He is the returning Judge and King. We are to “be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.” Verses 3 and 4 state that the time is coming when the world will turn from the truth. We should preach the Word even when our message is unwelcome or the time is inconvenient.

We don’t even have to speak to be a good herald. A herald fully represents the king. Every action should reflect the quality and purpose of the king. Of course, if the herald never talks, no one will know what on earth the king has to say. 2 Corinthians 5: 20 explains how to deliver the message we carry with us. We represent Christ wherever we go: we have “the ministry of reconciliation – that by word and deed we might aim to bring others into harmony with Him.” Actions are as important as words in being a good herald.

What higher calling is there than to be a herald from God to a desperate world?

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Photo by Hamid Khaleghi on Unsplash