“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Mat 24:14 (KNJV).
One of the operative words here is “preached.” The Greek word for “preach” is “kerusso.” Strong’s concordance gives the meaning of this word as preach; proclaim; herald; or publish. In order to understand what Jesus was saying in Mark 16:15 when He said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature,” we need to establish the meaning of this word “kerusso.” Does it mean merely to “tell,” as it is generally perceived to mean, or is there more involved here than the mere telling of something?
Another operative word here is “witness.” The American Heritage Dictionary gives as meanings of this word: “one who furnishes evidence; something that serves as evidence; a sign.” Mere words do not necessarily serve as evidence- it would take a manifestation of these words to do that. It is my understanding that this is what God is talking about in Mat 24:14.
Back to the word “proclaim.” Meanings given in the dictionary for this word are: “To indicate conspicuously; to make plain.” In Ps 34:3 the psalmist says, “Oh magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.” And again in Ps 69:30, “I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving.” Now when something is magnified it does not change the object being magnified, it only makes it more clear, more easily seen by the observer. When we magnify God we manifest Him in such a manner that He can be witnessed by the world-by anyone who will look-by whosoever will.
A meaning of the word, “herald,” is to give a sign or indication of something to come-a harbinger of the coming of the Lord. And a meaning of “publish: “to bring to public attention.” How can we better publish the good news to the world and bring it to its attention than, taken together as a unit, to demonstrate- to manifest-His Person. I believe this thing that God is doing in the earth at this time, will do just that in the days ahead-that indeed the process has already been set in motion. Everything else is of relative unimportance. What can be compared with the privilege of being a part of God’s remnant in the earth today-the instrument that He shall use to manifest His glory to a people who are waiting to witness the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ? Nothing can even come close! Praise His wonderful name!