In the Bible, the role of a messenger was significant, often acting as a divine instrument to communicate important messages. A messenger was someone employed by a king or ruler to carry and deliver letters or commands to people in different regions. These messengers played a crucial part in spreading royal decrees and divine instructions.
For example, in 2 Chronicles 30, when King Hezekiah sought to restore the Passover festival that had been neglected for generations, he sent messengers to announce his decree. The aim was to gather all of Israel for the celebration in Jerusalem, in fulfillment of the covenantal commandments of God. This action highlights God’s desire for obedience to His laws, especially those relating to worship.
2 Chronicles 30:5 “
So they made a proclamation throughout all Israel, from Beersheba to Dan, that they should come and celebrate the Passover to the Lord God of Israel at Jerusalem, for they had not kept it for a long time as it was written.”
6 “Then the messengers went throughout all Israel and Judah, with the king’s command, saying, ‘O children of Israel, return to the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, so that He may return to the remnant of you who have escaped the hands of the kings of Assyria.’”
Another example is found during the reign of King Xerxes. He issued a decree for all Jews to be killed in a single day. This order was spread across all the provinces by messengers.
Esther 3:13 “
And letters were sent by the messengers to all the provinces of the king, to destroy, kill, and annihilate all Jews, both young and old, children and women, in one day, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, and to take their possessions.”
In Esther 8:10,
when the decree is reversed, messengers once again play a pivotal role in spreading God’s deliverance.
Esther 8:10“,He wrote in the name of King Xerxes, sealed it with the king’s signet ring, andsent the letters by the messengers, who rode on royal horses bred from the king’s royal stables.”
Job 9:25 also uses the metaphor of a messenger in a more personal and existential way, contrasting the fleeting nature of human life with the speed of a messenger:
Job 9:25 “
Now my days are swifter than a messenger; they flee away and see no good.”
This verse highlights the transience of life and the urgency of responding to God’s message. Theologically, it serves as a reminder of the brevity of our time on earth and the need to act according to God’s will while we have the opportunity.
Jeremiah 51:31 uses the imagery of messengers in the context of judgment, showing how God communicates His decisions to nations:
Jeremiah 51:31 “
One messenger runs to meet another, and one reporter to meet another, to tell the king of Babylon that his city is taken on every side.”
This passage reinforces the theological concept of God’s sovereignty over history and nations. It shows that God’s judgment is not arbitrary but is declared and executed according to His perfect justice.
Conclusion:
As believers, we are called to be messengers of Christ, proclaiming the good news of salvation through Him. Just as God used messengers in the Bible to bring His words of grace, warning, and judgment to His people, He calls us to deliver His message of redemption. We are to proclaim the gospel with urgency and faithfulness, understanding that the message we carry is not just for our personal benefit but for the salvation of others.
So, what kind of messenger are we? Are we spreading the message of Christ’s salvation, or are we distracted by the fleeting concerns of the world? We are all entrusted with the task of being messengers for God’s Kingdom. May our lives reflect the commitment to His calling.
Shalom.
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