Worthy to Proclaim

2^nd Chronicles 16:1-10; Romans 10:8-17

Rev. Chris Harbin, Rocks Baptist Church—Pamplin, VA

31 July 2005

We often think of deliverance as something other than salvation. We think of rescue and healing as being distinct concepts from that of salvation. The Hebrew and Greek terms in the Bible, however, merge these meanings as aspects of a single issue. Healing, deliverance, rescue, and salvation are all terms that recognize our dependence on another’s help. Where do we go for help? Is our source of help worthy of sharing with others?

Asa’s actions and faith claims were in conflict. He claimed to trust Yahweh, and had done so in battles against other kings. When the issue of struggles against the northern tribes of Israel arose, he seemed to forget his confidence in Yahweh. Instead, he turned to the king in Damascus for help. He took treasures from the Temple as gifts for Ben-Hadad. Rather than calling upon God, he called upon an earthly king to grant him deliverance against Israel.

The prophet was not pleased. Rather than seeking God’s plan and turning in trust to the One he claimed to serve, Asa had taken matters into his own hands. He had depended upon the aid of Aram and Ben-Hadad, rather than trusting Yahweh for deliverance, rescue, aid, salvation. He faced disappointment as a result. Taking matters into his own hands, he was unable to foresee the implications and results of his actions. He seems not to have noticed that his actions were contrary to faith in Yahweh. The prophet called his hand, returning his attention to the need to trust God alone for salvation.

Perhaps Asa did not class his actions as lack of faith and distrust in Yahweh, but God did. Rather than work to his benefit, Asa’s plans turned to disappointment and disgrace. He had trusted in one who did not have the authority to grant him the deliverance he needed. Hanani proclaimed salvation in Yahweh alone.

Paul follows Hanani in reminding us that there is another way. He assures us in writing to the Roman believers that trusting Christ Jesus for salvation does not bring disappointment, for Christ is faithful. Like the words of the prophet Hanani, Paul reminds us of God’s will and ability to rescue and redeem those who call upon Him for salvation. Moreover, Paul reminds us that trusting God for deliverance will not disappoint us. Christ Jesus is worthy of our trust and confidence.

Where else would we turn to find one willing to lay down position, status, and their very life in order to demonstrate willingness to rescue us in our need? Where else would we find one who not only desired to save, but did everything necessary for our redemption, offering it as a gift for our acceptance? It is this gift of grace that Paul esteems as so much more precious than a code of conduct aimed at making us acceptable to God.

The intent of the Law was not to make us acceptable, but that is how we read it. We took God’s instructions for our living and transformed them into a formula for becoming worthy of God’s favor. It was from this perspective that the Jews looked down upon their neighbors. They contrasted ethics and morals of Mosaic instruction with that of the people around them. They held their heads high, proud that they were not like the filth around them. Paul says it was for naught, as grace in Christ was offered freely without distinction.

There is no distinction—none. The very same Jesus Christ is the singular Lord of all who appeal to Him for salvation. That is true for the Roman believer. It is true for the Gentile. It is true for the Baptist on the cradle roll before birth, and for the drug addict who has never darkened the doors of the church building. It is true for the model Christian family and for the home plagued by issues of fidelity, distrust, and disinterest. God’s salvation and rescue is available to all, with no regard to merit, standing, language, or background. While we would, God makes no distinction.

God’s love is more inclusive than ours. God’s grace is broader than ours. God’s comfort with sinners is greater than ours as well. We like to think of ourselves in glowing terms. When we cannot, we compare aspects of our lives to others around us in vain attempts to look better. It is no use in the long run. We still fall short. Perhaps our discomfort around people who do not reach our standards is protection for our own shortcomings. Up close, we may find a greater degree of our own reflection than is comfortable. It is easier to excuse ourselves and withdraw than to convey the presence of Christ Jesus—friend of sinners, prostitutes, tax collectors, and drunkards.

Paul says that grace is for them, too. It has no distinction or limit but one. One must appeal to the authority of Christ Jesus to be saved. What, then, makes this appeal possible?

Asa had opportunity. He knew the Word of Yahweh. He knew he could turn to Yahweh for deliverance. When he failed, the prophet came and spoke to him, granting another opportunity to repent and appeal again to Yahweh. There are many, however, who have not heard. Paul asks how they would appeal to Christ for salvation if they have not heard.

Our context is not so different from Paul’s. The Jews had heard of Jesus, as had many Gentiles. Knowing the name and events in Jesus’ life was not the same as knowing the grace and acceptance that Jesus proclaimed. They had heard of Jesus’ death, but did not know the gift of grace. They had not trusted, for grace was an unknown quantity. Proclaiming the good news of grace was necessary, so that they might hear, trust, and appeal to Christ Jesus for salvation.

Is the gospel of God’s grace, revealed in Christ Jesus, worthy to proclaim? Is it worth stepping outside our routines to share grace with others who have not heard, trusted, or appealed to Christ Jesus for salvation? Is grace great enough to extend fellowship and community to those with whom we might be uncomfortable?

The temptation is to pre-determine who will respond to the good news of grace. There is comfort sharing with people who hold with our beliefs, values, and lifestyles. Such is not the product of grace, but of sin. Grace reaches out beyond our discomfort in recognition of God’s love.

Paul says that we must be sent out to proclaim this gospel of grace. We must leave our comfort to take the message of grace without distinction to a world without merit. We don’t want to remember, perhaps, but we also were accepted by God with no basis in merit. Accepting our sinful condition, God came in Christ to die on our behalf, rescuing us into fellowship with Almighty God.

With whom will we share this message of grace? Is grace worthy to proclaim? None of us is worthy of salvation. Will we withhold grace or proclaim God’s worth without distinction? Will we share grace as it was given to us? After all, grace is only for the unworthy. Why would we withhold it?

—©Copyright 2005 Christopher B. Harbin

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