Matthew 9:38 38 …therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
As the weather warms and people emerge from hibernation, I often think of fresh opportunities for evangelism. Outdoor events, longer days, more recreation, all present greater opportunities to share the Gospel. A couple of summers ago, we had a table out during a street festival in Claremont. Several of us passed out tracts, explained the Gospel of grace, and invited people to respond or to come to church.
In all reality, our church should be exercising the mission of evangelism on a regular basis. Part of being a member of a local church is to extend the Great Commission right in our own backyard. How are you doing in your personal outreach? Don’t get me wrong, I understand it is not easy. There is a lot of fear to deal with. It takes some training and preparation to explain things clearly. There is risk of offending and losing a friendship. These are all reasons we give ourselves to not share Christ with others.
But think of the reasons for sharing – I believe they are greater. First, eternal life is at stake. Can you imagine the immense gratitude of a friend, who comes to faith in Christ through your courageous effort to sow the word? For all eternity, you will have a stake in their joy! Also, consider that the love of Jesus within you, shed abroad in your heart, should overcome that fear (Rom. 5:5, 2 Cor. 5:14, 1 John 4:18). And offense for the sake of the Gospel is ultimately unavoidable (John 6:66).
One of the ways to begin evangelizing more is to begin praying for specific people in your life. Who are you burdened for? Who seems open or sympathetic towards Christianity? Who shows a deep need for God’s love? Pray for an open door. Paul asked for this, Colossians 4:2-4 2 Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; 3 praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; 4 that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak. (See also Ephesians 6:18-19). As Matthew 9:38 says, pray earnestly for more laborers.
This summer, let’s work together to sow the seed of the Gospel. This is our mission. This reflects the purpose of God, while the Lord tarries. You’ll never regret the times you trust the Lord, step out in faith, and share the Good News.
Thanks! See you Sunday,
Pastor Dave
