Paul tells Timothy to “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season.” Read 1 Timothy 2:4. Now you might think that you are off the hook if you are not a preacher, but in the first century, every disciple of Jesus was told to be ready to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. As Christianity developed and the centuries passed, preaching became the job of the, well, the preacher. The Greek word is 'Karruso' which means 'to speak in public', so it’s not just preaching. We are all encouraged to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with people. Paul tells Timothy and us to be prepared. For me, the season is something that is planned and intentional. Out of season is not planned, but perhaps you may be given the opportunity when you least expect it. Last week I went to visit Pat at the nursing home. I found her in a room with three other ladies where they were preparing to have Bible Study. I sat with them, got their names, and asked them which one was the teacher. Diane from Chicago said that their teacher had not shown up and probably won’t because she has dementia. So I asked them what they were studying, and Carol from New Albany said, “Whatever you want to teach us today.” I wasn’t expecting that answer but decided to share God’s love without having been prepared. We turned to Exodus 20, and we talked about Moses climbing Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments. It was a lovely time. As followers of Jesus, we need to always be ready to pray, to teach Scripture, and to tell someone that God loves them. Are you ready?

Lord, prepare us to speak your message of love to someone who needs it. Prepare us to have a prayer for any situation with someone who could use a spiritual boost. Prepare us to encourage someone who needs to be reminded that you are with us even until the end of the age. Amen.