I Am Ready

“So as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.” (Romans 1:15)

“Readiness” is the watch-word of the people of God in both the Old and New Testaments and in this present time. When Israel had been defeated at Ai, recorded in Joshua chapter seven, they took care to get rid of the sin in their camp that had caused their defeat, regrouped and started again. Joshua, the commander of Israel, set his army of Israelites before and behind the city of Ai and commanded his army to “…be ye all ready.” (Joshua 8:4) They were to watch for Joshua’s signal.  Israel was victorious.

Jesus told His disciples in the Olivet discourse, “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh.” (Matthew 24:44) We must be ready for the Lord’s return at any time. Hezekiah, king of Judah, was told to“set thine house in order for thou shalt die and not live.” (II Kings 20:1) Paul tells us preachers and pastors to always be ready to preach. (II Timothy 4:2)

Paul was ready to go to Rome to preach and share the gospel. Readiness to share the gospel is the responsibility of every Christian.   Peter said, “…be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” (I Peter 3:15) Readiness requires that we be “prayed up,”  “confessed up,” and “studied up.”