Gideon Ouseley was much used of God in Ireland during the first part of the 19th century. In a dream he thought the Lord said to him, "Gideon, I want you to preach the gospel." He answered, "Lord, I cannot preach." The Lord replied, "You know what is wrong with men." "Yes, Lord, I know that," he answered, "They are sinners as I was." "And you know the remedy, don't you?" "Oh, yes, blessed be Thy name, I know the remedy: It is Thyself and Thy blood." "Then," said the Lord, "you know the disease and the remedy; go and tell them of both." (From Delivering Grace).

The above reminds us of what took place when the disciples were scattered abroad after the death of Stephen—they "went everywhere preaching the Word" (Acts 8:4). However, the word translated "preaching" does not mean, delivering an address or discourse, but rather just telling or announcing something which they delighted in conveying to others. They indeed had "good news" to tell; and how could they keep silent when there were people all around them who had never heard these good tidings?

Is there not a solemn responsibility resting upon all who know the Saviour to make known to those who are "in darkness and in the region and shadow of death"—to make known to them the light of the Gospel, which alone can bring them out of the power of darkness, and translate them into the kingdom of the Son of His love? (Colossians 1:13).

It is very natural to us all to shirk responsibilities. This is done in various ways. Moses' first objection when the Lord had said to him, "Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth My people the children of Israel out of Egypt" (Exodus 3:10) was, "Who am I"? (v. 11). His second objection, "What shall I say unto them"? (v. 13). His third objection, "They will not believe me" (4:1). His fourth objection, "I am not eloquent" (4:10). His fifth objection, "Send, I pray Thee by the hand of him whom Thou wilt send" (4:13), which simply means, "Send someone else."

The disciples of our Lord also said to Him, "Send the multitude away." The Lord replies, "They need not depart; give ye them to eat" (Matthew 14:15,16). Even though we may feel how little we have to give (five loaves and two fishes), in the hands of the Lord and with His blessing, it is able to meet the need of all and with much to spare. It is not a question as to who we are, but Him who has sent us. He will also give us words to say, which may not be expressed by us in the best of style, but the Lord will surely watch over that Word, and the faithful proclaimer of it will be rewarded, not according to results, but according to his faithfulness (Isaiah 55:11; Matthew 25:21).

May we all, regardless of who we are and where we are, seek to make known the wonderful message of salvation to those around us who are on the road leading to eternal ruin; as well as seeking to help those who are on the road to glory, expounding to them "the way of God more perfectly" (Acts 18:26). May the Lord help us to do so for His name's sake.

"Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth. … In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thy hand; for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good" (Ecclesiastes 11:1,2,6).

—James F. Paulsen