Does the word pulpit exist in the scripture? In the accounts of Luke 2:46-49 and Luke 4:16-30, the Lord “sat” and “rose up to read.” Where was the pulpit? These questions arise from the exaltation of pulpits and its declared exclusive preserve for the “called.”

And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. Luke 2:46

And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. Luke 4:16

What were we called to? Speaking to the disciples in John 17:17-19 (don’t forget that women were always in the lot (Luke 8:1-4), we are called to full consecration to God and to manifest and proclaim Him to the world, not to pulpits! Both men and women who are called are referred to by Paul as his “fellow labourers” (Philippians 4:3).

What were we called to? To make the true God known (John 17:3) and indeed to all men, of whom only such as are drawn by the Father will come (John 6:44,45,64-65). Please note verse 51 – life given for the whole world, yet the whole world will not come to Him. Lord, thank You for drawing me to You, thank You for revealing Yourself and teaching me of who You are and what You expect of me.

Those who come to Him will be kept by the name of the Lord, preserved from the evil in the world (John 17:9-11), so they can fulfill the commission of making God known even as Jesus did (John 17:16-18,20).

What Jesus spoke of in John 17 in a rather disjointed or unconnected disparate way He condensed in Acts 26:16-18.

But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. Acts 26:16-18

Paul understood the mandate and so he wrote in 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 and summarised the same in Romans 5:2-5 (NLT); Titus 2:11-13 and Ephesians 4:12-15.

Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:1-6

Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:2-5 (NLT)

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Titus 2:11-13

For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ. Ephesians 4:12-15

The ultimate point is restated 1 Peter 1:5; Philippians 1:6; Ephesians 1:11-14 and 1 Peter 1:13-17, that there is a unique grace to be revealed to transform the prepared. Are you preparing or are you fighting for the pulpit? Selah.

Pastor Afolabi Oladele