Knocked off his high horse

Even if Jesus Himself were to appear to a lost individual, He would not infringe upon the trust He committed to us in order to preach the Gospel Himself. Would you like me to prove it?

Look at the account of Saul’s (Paul’s) conversion (Acts 9). The Lord Jesus literally knocked Saul off of his horse onto the ground with a blinding light. It’s safe to say that He had Saul’s full attention. When Saul realized Who was speaking with him, he asked, “Lord, what do you want me to do?”

Now think about this. If anyone knows the Gospel message, it’s Jesus Christ. If anyone wants the lost to accept salvation, it’s Jesus Christ. And He had Saul’s attention. Yet Jesus did not preach the Gospel to Saul on that dusty road. What did He do? He said, “Arise, and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” Then, Jesus appeared in a vision to a disciple named Ananias – a disciple like you or me – and sent him on assignment to Saul. It was Ananias who visited, ministered to, and baptized Saul.

Also, notice the account of Cornelius’ conversion (Act 10). He was a Roman pagan, but with all his heart, he was sincerely searching for God. God always responds to people like that. He responded to Cornelius by sending him a messenger angel while he was fasting and praying in his house.

But did the angel, sent straight from Heaven on special assignment, preach the Gospel to Cornelius? No. He simply said, “Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon [Peter]…. He will tell you what you must do.” Cornelius obeyed. While his charges were still en route to Joppa, God revealed a vision to Peter, assuring him that the men who were coming to escort him were sent by Him. Peter (not the angel) preached the Gospel, and an entire household was saved, filled with the Holy Spirit, and baptized in water!

Jesus will not preach. The angels will not preach it. This Gospel of salvation for all people has been committed to our trust.