Truth Always
Devotions with Pastor Jason Lim

A true preacher of God’s word teaches faithfully. It may not be what itching ears or desires want to receive. But it’s a needful challenge to the soul. A faithful preacher tells us what we need to know, not always what we want to know.

Our times are not so different from the times of Daniel and Jeremiah. Their ministry was contested by false preachers who told Israel what they liked to know. “The prophets are prophesying lies in my name…They are prophesying to you a lying vision, worthless divination, and the deceit of their own minds.” (Jer. 14:13-14) The false preacher despises the Word of God. They give the false-assurance of peace and prosperity when God calls for repentance and warns of judgment. They prophesy lies in God’s name claiming revelation through dreams. They preach the deceit of their hearts. But a true prophet is devoted to the Word and therefore declares the word faithfully.

In 2 Tim. 4:1, Paul lays a serious mandate to Timothy, “I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus…preach the word; be ready in season and out of season…” This is of utmost importance, don’t talk about your opinions, your ideas or your agenda. Preach God’s word. The word preach is the word “kerusso”, which is to proclaim, to herald or to publish. You don’t subtract, modify or add to it. Tell it as it is. It may not be pleasant to your listeners, but the word of God is meant to convict. A mother may give her protesting baby medicine. It’s unpleasant for the child. But it’s needful and it’s wholesome. It’s what they need, not what they want.

Friends, therefore let us hide God’s word in our hearts. Seek to be devoted to the Word of God, that we may faithfully serve the God of the Word.