Now Judas and Silas, themselves being prophets also, exhorted and strengthened the brethren with many words. And after they had stayed there for a time, they were sent back with greetings from the brethren to the apostles. However, it seemed good to Silas to remain there. Acts 15:32-34

Judas and Silas were chosen to bring the good news of the council’s decision to churches in Gentile regions. They were a wise choice for two reasons: We know from their background that they were fluent in Greek so they could communicate clearly, and they were prophets so they could communicate persuasively.

This also should encourage us that as good news from the “A Team” (Paul and Barnabas), would have been most welcome, whomever God sends to preach to us should be equally welcomed, regardless of the person’s notoriety and/or popularity.

This is an especially important lesson for we who live in a day of celebrity-ism, even in the Church. We probably all have favorite preachers. I know I do. But though we may prefer listening to some preachers more than others, if God’s Word is being faithfully preached, who is preaching it, is irrelevant.

This is not only true when listening to “big name preachers,” it is even regarding “unknown” preachers who happen to be the primary teachers in our local churches. One of our former elders saw a pattern that when the congregation knew that the Hales were out of town, church attendance dipped. He lovingly, yet boldly exhorted the congregation that that wasn’t good or right. “It is not who is preaching, it whose Word is being preached that matters,” he said. I couldn’t have agreed more.

I do not like the congregation to know when I will not be on hand for fear that some will “take the day off.” I hate feeling like I am “sneaking off.”

I am seldom away on Sundays or Thursday evenings. I pray that the next time I am, attendance will be up, rather than down.