In its own times [He] manifested His word in the proclamation with which I was entrusted.
— Titus 1:3, RcV

As we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.
— 1 Thessalonians 2:4, NKJV

When we read Titus 1:3, quoted above, we might assume that in speaking of the manifestation of the word, Paul is referring to the incarnation of Christ. This is especially the case because some versions translate the Greek word for “times” here in the singular; the New King James Version, for example, says that God “in due time manifested His word.”

What Paul is actually saying, however, is that from time to time God manifests His word, not through the Incarnation, but through the proclamation. That is, He raises up His servants and sends them forth to preach the word of the gospel or the word of the truth in an especially striking way, so that His work is carried forward in a new way. This was surely the case in Paul’s own ministry, and it has happened a number of times in the history of the church since then.

How we need, and how we need to pray for, such a manifestation, such a proclamation, of God’s word in these dark times, that so many would turn to Him!

However, as the verses above show us, such a manifestation of the word can only take place when God has some whom He can “entrust” with His word. That is, there must be some who, like Paul, have been “approved” by God to be entrusted with the proclamation of His word.

These brothers must first offer themselves to the Lord and allow Him to “test” or “prove” their hearts through His severe dealing with them, often with much suffering and affliction. Then He will know that their service is purely for His purpose and glory, and not for the sake of “pleasing men,” as Paul says. But when God does gain such ones, His word surely will be manifested again, and His work begin anew, both in the church and among the unsaved.

Lord, raise up some in these days who will put themselves fully in Your hand, so that You can entrust them with the proclamation of Your word and Your work may begin anew!

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— 17 November 2022 —