A prophet's burden

According to a article by Bruce Walker, one of the best descriptions of sermon is found in the beginning of the book of Malachi: "The burden of the word of the Lord to Israel by Malachi" (1:1).

That word - BURDEN - means, "to lift or carry a heavy load." In the Old Testament, a prophet carried a burdensome message. It's a burden in the sense that it's THEIR responsibility to share it with the people of God. This responsibility had become a part of them; a heavy weight upon their hearts. They had no choice, but to share it.

"Burden" is the result of the Word of God. The prophet has received God's message and it must be proclaimed. God's message must NOT be delivered with personal opinion or interest. It must be rooted in the text of Scripture, and its points must come from the Spirit's revelation.

Malachi continues. His message - the text the Lord has given to him as a burden - is for a specific people: Israel. God's Word is given to a particular audience. His message, therefore, must be applicable to the people for whom it is intended.

Finally, Malachi says that the sermon is HIS. Obviously, a prophet's message originated from the actual revelation of God. But, this message was also written in the language of Malachi. It is God's Word, but delivered in a form and language Malachi's audience can understand. THIS is Malachi's burden.

Shouldn't it also be MY burden? Yes, I'm preaching God's Word; but am I allowing God's Spirit to lead me through the outlining, researching, and delivery? I'm finding its too easy to take sermon prep into my own hands, giving my listeners stale bread instead of a fresh word from God. Sermon-prep and delivery ought to be a creative partnership between the Word of God, the Holy Spirit, and the deliverer.

As men who speak on behalf of God every week, shouldn't Malachi's burden be ours as well? Shouldn't this responsibility become part of us; a heavy weight upon OUR hearts. We have no choice, but to share it.