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"Unless They Are Sent..."
How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!”
Romans 10.15
A key word in this verse is “sent.” It indicates authorization to go. For example, when Herod “sent forth” and slew all the children (Matthew 2.16), he was authorizing their murders. In Matthew 10.5-7, when Jesus “sent forth” the twelve, they were under his authority, and only authorized to work as he instructed. So also, in Matthew 20.2, the laborers who were hired were “sent” by the owner to work in his vineyard. They did not have authority to do other than as instructed by the owner.
The apostles were ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5.18) and servants through whom people believed (1 Corinthians 3.5). The message of reconciliation they preached was from God. For this reason, their “sending” was authorized.
No one can rightfully send except he who has the power to save. That is God. Faith in God will not come unless God’s words are preached. That is why hearing must be “by the word of God” (Romans 10.17). Those sent are under commission to proclaim God’s words. God was well-pleased with his Son for this very reason: “Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles” (Matthew 12.18). Notice this word “put.” It is the same as “sent” in Romans 10.15. Jesus was chosen (sent) to proclaim the Father’s will. He did. He said in John 7.16, “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me.”
“Sent” has reference to those whom God calls and commissions to preach his words! God does not approve of any who fear to preach what he has spoken, nor does God send any to preach anything except his words. Remember that the prophet Balaam had to speak what God commanded (Numbers 22-24).
God put his power to save in his word (Romans 10.17). God declared his word to prophets (Amos 3.7) who were called to declare it faithfully (Jeremiah 23.22). Only God’s message has power to turn people from their evil ways. The apostle Paul rightfully warned against “other” gospels (Galatians 1.6-9). They will not save, even if believed. It has to be the message God “sent.” There is a reason that Peter said to “remember the words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior spoken by your apostles” (2 Peter 3.2). Only these words have power to produce repentance from sin. God’s word will accomplish his desires, and his desire is for all to repent (Isaiah 55.11; 2 Peter 3.9). God calls through his word. His word must be preached, but it can’t be preached unless it is sent. Being called of God to take his message into the world was the reason their feet were described as “beautiful”. That message is “good news of good things.” Salvation is available through God’s Son to all who call upon him in faith.
