Dynamite

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:16-17 ESV). One of the “oxymorons” of our world is that Alfred Nobel, the founder of the Nobel Peace Prize, also was the man who created dynamite. There are many stories surrounding the discovery and development of this compound that has been used for both good and bad in our world. It is said that when he discovered the compound and its effects when ignited, he needed a name for it. According to sources, he spoke with a friend who knew the Greek language well and asked him what the Greek word for "explosion" was. That word was dunamis, and so Nobel named his invention "dynamite." When the Apostle Paul wrote our paragraph today he used the word we translate as “power.” So think of dynamite, think of something dynamic, think of an explosion, and you will have an idea of what Paul was saying. There is explosive power in the simple message of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. There is an explosion when the gospel goes out. The apostle will go on later in the letter to explain how this power will be disseminated into the world. How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” (Romans 10:14-15 ESV). Those of you who know me also know that I believe no one is born again without the express work of God in their lives. However, that is facilitated through the preaching of the Gospel. That’s why I share the grace of God as often as I have opportunity. Now there are those who would say that since I am a pastor, then obviously I have been gifted and called to do just that. Often they add, “And, we’ll be praying for you too.” Well, that’s good, but it is not what God has in mind. We are all commanded to share the Gospel. That may not look the same as when I “preach,” but it is the same principle of power that goes out when we use our individual gifts and callings to make people aware of this great gift of God through Jesus Christ. So, I would ask you, what are you doing with your “dynamite”? Are you constructing great roads and bridges? It is that kind of power.