Word Spreads!

Sometimes we find that word travels fast; especially with live news broadcasts from around the world, the internet, twitter, and other forms of social media. We may even often be surprised at how quickly others hear about something that has happened to us. Information travels quickly, sometimes spreading even before time is given to fully check it out. Therefore, caution should be exercised with regard to what is spread.

Let us again consider the first verse of the passage we noted yesterday. Writing to the church at Thessalonica, Paul urged. . .

"Finally, brothers, pray for us, that THE WORD OF THE LORD MAY SPEED AHEAD and be honored, as happened among you," ( 2 Thessalonians 3:1 ESV)

The New King James Version reads, "run swiftly" and the New Living Translation reads, "spread rapidly." The Greek word translated "speed ahead" in the English Standard Version is "treche" from "trecho" which literally means "to run". It is used here by Paul with reference to "the free and rapid progress of 'the word of the Lord.'" [source: "W.E. Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words] As a runner would remove anything that would hinder his running (note analogy of Hebrews 12:1), so God's Word is not to be held back or restrained.

In his letter to the church at Rome, Paul warned of those who in "their unrighteousness" suppressed the truth. ( Romans 1:18) When we live contrary to the Will of God we are suppressing the truth because our life is not declaring it through living in accordance with the righteousness of God. Paul also stated that though he could be chained as a criminal, God's Word was not chained or bound. ( 2 Timothy 2:9) Paul's very life exemplified that truth as he allowed nothing to keep him from proclaiming the GOSPEL OF JESUS.

Since news can spread so quickly, lets make sure our contribution is toward that being the GOOD NEWS of Jesus. May "THE WORD OF THE LORD ... SPEED AHEAD" leading the lost and dying to salvation found in Jesus, the One Who came to earth as the Word in the flesh. ( John 1:1-2 & 14) Doing our part to keep the TRUTH OF JESUS "speeding ahead" of every other ideology the world may be pursing can potentially help others recognize the winning one that leads to a glorious eternity at the end of this life's race.

Have a great day RUNNING WITH THE GO IN GOSPEL!
Carl

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