I have been to three churches in my adult life and have been able to see the different cultures in these churches. One of the things that I have noticed is the fact that some individuals in the church are more concerned with their image and looking better than others than they are with spreading the Word. I think that being competitive is part of our nature; it can be fun. I know that I enjoy a friendly competition with family and friends; but, “Competition has its place in the Olympics but not in the house of God” (pg. 148).
I enjoyed how Lisa examined the relationship between Jesus and John the Baptist. I liked how the powers that be (religious leaders) were unable to create a rivalry between the two. I like how John was “a forerunner who understood his season and purpose…Like him, we should herald the One to come” (pg. 149).
Life is full of competition and it is full of trying to be the best. But there are areas of life when competition is not warranted and, in this case, it can do harm. When we are going head-to-head with our fellow Christian, what message are we sending?
I’ve heard the term herald before, and I knew that it was an individual who acted as an olden day announcer; but I wanted to look the word up in order to better understand the responsibilities.
her·ald
1: an official crier or messenger
2: one that precedes or foreshadows
3: one that conveys news or proclaims
4: one who actively promotes or advocates
Messenger
Crier
Foreshadows
Proclaims
Conveys News
Promotes
Advocates
Are we clearing the paths, or, are we adding more barriers for those trying to reach Him? “In times of harvest, paths must be cleared and maintained so the harvesters can get to the fields” (pg. 147).
We have been assigned many titles—woman, wife, mother, daughter, friend, employee, girls with swords, warriors, and now we are also heralds. We now need to walk our paths, sword in hand, clearing paths.
In times of harvest, paths must be cleared and maintained so the harvesters can get to the fields (pg. 147)
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Let’s Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the path You have placed us on. Lord, with so many responsibilities and titles we often try to outdo one another. Please forgive us for this and remind us that we are all assigned to be Your heralds. We are assigned to proclaim Your glory, working together to clear paths and lead others to You. Thank You Lord for Your assignments in our lives. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.
About Tonya Ellison
Thank you for sharing today, Tonya. I appreciated your focus on being a ‘herald.’ A herald clears the path and keeps moving forward. A competitor ‘stands his ground’ and gets only momentary victory or defeat. In John 4:1-3 (MSG), the Pharisees were trying to get John the Baptist and Jesus to be competitors instead of heralds. Thankfully, each knew his call and “remained in formation” (Fencing Fact, pg 149) so that as allies they could work together to accomplish what God had called each of them to do.
I want to be a herald along side other brothers and sisters, so I echo your prayer this morning and say, “Amen.”
Good morning! “As allies they could work together to accomplish what God had called each of them to do.” It’s about working together to glorify God 🙂
me, too! thanks for sharing just what a ‘herald’ is and does! we all SO want to ‘actively promote and advocate’ for our Lord Jesus, don’t we? thankful for the joy and the privilege of doing so today!!! <3
It most definately is a privilege isn’t it 🙂
Me three. The definition of herald spoke volumes. Thanks, Tonya,
A herald promotes and advocates for Jesus. As Christians we need to promote each other and encourage each other toward our call to witness. I find that most churches do not want to get out of their comfort zone and minister to the world. I have found that churches that promote groups like celebrate recovery and counseling are really doing God’s work. The churches or us don’t need to be in competition there are much needed services for the unsaved and people being destroyed by Satan’s lies and deceptions. May we all be Herald’s for Christ!!!