I am saddened at the departure of every saint and sinner—God’s gift of life is always precious—but the passing of Ravi Zacharias on May 19th touched me deeply. I consider him a personal hero and modern General of the Faith.
Most already know he was an incredible Christian apologist. (By the way, an apologist is not one who frequently says they are sorry, but instead one who speaks or writes in defense of our doctrine.) Ravi did both prolifically and intellectually, offering logical reasoning for the truth of scripture, authoring more than 30 books and preaching in over 70 countries.
Ravi was a wonderful example of what God has called every believer to be. Both in-season and out-of-season we must be ready to minister reconciliation, to bring God’s Word to a darkened world and be the vessels through which Jesus’ love heals hardened sinners’ hearts, producing salvation and life.
Paul instructs in Titus that God’s stewards “must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.” (Titus 1:9). We must know the Word, speak the Word, defend the Word. Some would argue faith isn’t based upon reason, that’s why it’s called faith. While sounding spiritual, that’s far from biblical. Even Jesus did not ask anyone to follow Him blindly. Instead, He explained the kingdom of heaven through preaching and parables to convey truth. Notice it is not by lack of faith, good works, or sacrifice but, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me.” (Hos 4:6). So, we shall know and not be rejected.
Lord, You gave me both mind and spirit. While you fill my spirit with faith also instruct me deeply as You form within me the mind of Christ, that I may do those things You have called me to do for Your glory.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.