Do you feel the necessity of taking part of the Great Commission? Paul, talking about giving up his rights for the sake of the gospel, writes in 1 Corinthians 9:16,
...necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!
For Paul, sharing the gospel wasn't something auxiliary or optional in his life. It was a necessity. He cursed himself if he did not do what he was supposed to do.
Christ Himself laid this necessity on Paul. But Paul wasn't merely doing it out of obligation; he loved Christ! Christ saved him from his hell-bound race. Paul beheld the Savior's glory, and Christ was lovely to him. How could he not share the gospel?
For we who believe in Jesus Christ, we share in what Paul has. Christ saved us from our hell-bound race. We have beheld His glory in the word and in our lives. How could we not share the gospel?
Paul had a very specific calling--to bring the gospel to the Gentiles. We have a general calling--to make disciples of all nations and teach them everything Christ has taught us in the word. Do you feel the necessity of doing your part in that commission? Do you say, with Paul, "Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!" God help us to feel it and do it.
Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 9-10