Surely everyone who enters the seminary must dream of being a great preacher. We watch great preachers and we imitate style, mannerisms and techniques. Each culture grows their own and flocks to be fed by the great ones. My generation saw Billy Graham and I knew a hundred young men who dreamed of being the next Graham. It is an interesting combination of mixed motives. They truly and honestly want to serve the Lord and yet are filled with guilt over wanting to be famous and powerful. There is a strong dose of politician in every great preacher. The difference is not as large as we might wish. Jesus spoke of it when he said, “Beware of the scribes, who desire to walk in long robes, and to have salutations in the marketplaces.” Mark 12:38. It is a dangerous moment for preachers when the service is over and they greet people as they depart. People tell them nice things and the great temptation is to believe them.
Jesus said that John the Baptist was the greatest. Certainly Paul had to come fairly close to that standard even though he did bomb in Athens. I think the most eloquent of the Old Testament preachers must have been Jonah. This man did not want to go to Nineveh. It was a foreign city. Yet when he finally got there he was so successful the entire city repented. This is amazing because he was then depressed over his success.
People are strange creatures filled with so many wonders and faults. Yet God chooses us to proclaim His good news. While we all cannot be Billy Grahams, each of us can, and I will use the old saying, light up the corner where we are.
Written by Roger Bothwell on January 27, 2009
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
rogerbothwell.org