“Preach the word!  Be ready in season and out of season…”  2 Timothy 4:2

In “Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words” the Greek word here for preach is “KERUSSO and signifies--
(a) to be a herald, or, in general to proclaim as in:
Matthew 3:1-2, “In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’”

(b) to preach the Gospel as a herald,
“Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the Kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence.”  Acts 28:30-31

(c) to preach the word (the ministry of the Scriptures, with special reference to the Gospel)”
Our opening verse in 2 Timothy is our example here.

Therefore, KERUSSO means: to herald, to make known to all, the Good News of Jesus Christ.  “The Illustrated Dictionary of the Bible, Herbert Lockyer, Sr., Editor” says,
“The great Commission has a broad application that calls all believers to participate in preaching the Gospel (Mark 16:15).”

As Believers we are to make known, to share, the Gospel.  Ephesians 4:11 tells us that,
“He Himself (Jesus) gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelist, and some pastors and teachers.”

Not all are called to be evangelists, but we all can share with others what the Lord has done in our lives.  As we are sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading and guiding, He will make known the who, the when and the where.  For He knows when a heart is seeking, one that is ready to hear, one that is prepared to receive.

As example of a heart made ready to receive is in Acts 16:25-31, the conversion of the Philippian jailer (notice the who, when and where):
“But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God; and the prisoners were listening to them.
Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.
And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself.
But Paul called out with a loud voice, saying ‘Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.’
Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas.
And he brought them out and said, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’
So they said, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.’”  (Read the rest of the scenario Vs. 32-34.)

Do we not wonder how many hearts have been made ready to hear and receive during these months of separation because of the pandemic lockdown?  It is a challenge since we see so few people outside of family and thankfully our brothers and sisters in church gatherings (where permitted).  This brings to mind the words of Jesus in John 4:35 to His disciples,
“Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest?  Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for the harvest!’”
(Behold here is IDOU meaning “calling attention to what may be seen”)

I close with the admonition in Jude verses 21-23,
“Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.
Be merciful to those who doubt; 
save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear--hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.”

Then Jude 24-25 gives that beautiful Doxology!
“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,
To God our Savior who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever,  Amen”