The Event of Delivering the Message is a significant theme throughout the Bible, highlighting the role of prophets, apostles, and other chosen individuals in conveying God's word to His people. This event underscores the divine-human interaction where God communicates His will, guidance, and commandments through appointed messengers.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the delivery of God's message is primarily associated with the prophets. These individuals were chosen by God to speak on His behalf, often calling the people of Israel to repentance and obedience. A quintessential example is Moses, who delivered God's commandments to the Israelites. In Exodus 3:10, God commissions Moses, saying, "So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt" . Moses' role as a messenger is pivotal in the narrative of the Exodus, where he conveys God's demands to Pharaoh and leads the Israelites to freedom.

The prophets, such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, also played crucial roles in delivering God's messages. Isaiah 6:8 records Isaiah's commissioning: "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'" . This passage illustrates the willingness and readiness required of God's messengers.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the delivery of the message takes on a new dimension with the coming of Jesus Christ, who is both the messenger and the message. Jesus embodies the Word of God, as stated in John 1:14: "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us" . His teachings, parables, and life exemplify the ultimate delivery of God's message of salvation and redemption.

The apostles, following Jesus' ascension, are tasked with spreading the Gospel. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 encapsulates this mission: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you" . The apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2), become the primary agents of delivering the message of Christ to the world.

Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the delivery of God's message. In the New Testament, the Spirit empowers and guides the messengers. Jesus promises the coming of the Holy Spirit in John 14:26: "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you" . The Spirit's presence ensures that the message is delivered with power and authority.

Characteristics of the Messengers

The individuals chosen to deliver God's message often exhibit certain characteristics: obedience, faithfulness, and courage. They are called to speak truth, often in the face of opposition and persecution. Jeremiah, for instance, faced significant resistance but remained steadfast in his mission (Jeremiah 1:17-19). Similarly, the apostles faced persecution but continued to preach boldly, as seen in Acts 4:29: "And now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness" .

Impact of the Message

The delivery of God's message has profound implications for both the messenger and the recipients. It calls for a response, often leading to transformation, repentance, or judgment. The message delivered by Jonah to Nineveh resulted in the city's repentance (Jonah 3:5-10), while the rejection of the message by others led to judgment, as seen in the warnings of the prophets.

In summary, the Event of Delivering the Message is a central theme in the biblical narrative, illustrating God's desire to communicate with humanity through chosen messengers. This divine communication is characterized by the authority of the message, the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, and the transformative impact on those who receive it.