It is true, preachers are just
men. Like all other men they sin, they make mistakes, they are subject to
error, and they are apt to offend people sooner or later. But if a man is truly
a gospel preacher, called and sent of God, he has upon him a DIVINE
AUTHORITY. He is GOD'S SPOKESMAN to men! This authority does not
make the Lord's servant proud and tyrannical, rather
it causes him to tremble with reverence. And this fact will cause wise men to
listen attentively and obediently to that man who comes with a message from
God. Of these things you may be sure:
IF GOD EVER SPEAKS TO YOU IT
WILL BE THROUGH A PREACHER. The days are over in which God spoke to men by
angels, or in dreams. Paul said, "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by
the word of God...and how shall they hear without a preacher?" If the Lord
sends one of his servants your way, you would be wise to hear him every time
you have opportunity. God might have something to say to you.
THE GREATEST BLESSING GOD
CAN EVER BESTOW UPON A PEOPLE IS TO SEND THEM A FAITHFUL GOSPEL PREACHER. "How
beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings,
that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation, that saith unto
TO HEAR THE LORD'S SERVANT IS
TOO HEAR HIM, AND TO DESPISE THE LORD'S SERVANT IS TO DESPISE HIM. Our Lord
said, concerning those who are sent of him, "He that heareth you heareth
me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth
him that sent me." It is no light thing to have one of God's true servants
in your midst. Whatever you do to the King's ambassador is done to the King
himself, be it good or evil. To hear him is to hear the King. To obey him is to
obey the King. To honor him is to honor the King. To reject him is to reject
the King.
GOD'S PEOPLE WILL ESTEEM
GOD'S SERVANTS VERY HIGHLY IN LOVE FOR THEIR WORK'S SAKE. Any man who
brings you a message from God, who labors in the study of the Word that he may
feed your soul with the precious truths of the gospel, ought, for that reason,
to be loved and honored by you. You should promote him, support him, defend
him, love him, obey him, and follow him.
It is true, the preacher is
just a man, but if he is true gospel preacher he is GOD'S MAN.