"Proclaim" is a good word. Like any word, it can start to sound and look strange if you repeat it too many times or stare at it long enough. But in English, it comes from the Latin words for "forth" (pro) and "shout" (clamare; think "clamor"). The Greek is similar, as it combines "from" and the base word for "angel," or "messenger." This verb then carries the sense of declaring, announcing, and preaching.
The Apostle Paul used the word in this wonderful verse: "Him (Jesus) we proclaim, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ," (Colossians 1:28, LSB, emphasis added).
The Apostle Peter also used the word in his first epistle: "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light," (1 Peter 2:9, emphasis added).
The Apostle John also: "The life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us—what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ," (1 John 1:2-3, emphasis added).
As Christians, we are proclaimers. We are ambassadors for Christ who have been given a message to take to the world. This message is not wishy-washy; it is not up for debate; it is not a matter of opinion; it is not arbitrary. We proclaim Christ, His excellencies, and eternal life to a lost and dying world who needs to hear before they breathe their last. What a privilege and a duty!
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