Call to evangelise
After this the Lord appointed 72 others and sent them two by two ahead of Him to every town and place where He was about to go. He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road. – Luke 1-:1-4.
INTRODUCTION
There are many principles in Christ’s call to evangelise:
1. There is an open field of great need.
2. Prayer for God-called workers is vital.
3. Christ’s witnesses will experience persecution and pressure.
4. God will provide all of one’s needs.
5. Christian service attempts to meet all manner of needs.
6. An evangelistic partner gives strength to witnessing.
7. Judgement is certain to those who reject the message of salvation.
8. The Lord identifies with and gives His power to His faithful witnesses.
9. Satan and opposition will be routed before the power of Christ.
10. Enlisting people as citizens of heaven is the most important task.
11. Effective witnessing brings joy to our Lord.
12. Taking part in God’s great work of world evangelisation is a privilege. As we use these principles in witnessing to God’s grace in Christ, we will be successful.
JESUS SENDS OUT THE 72
After this the Lord appointed 72 others and sent them two by two ahead of Him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.
“When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you. Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house.
“When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town we wipe from our feet as a warning to you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God has come near.’ I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.
“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgement than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades.
“Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; but whoever rejects me rejects Him who sent me.”
The 72returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”
He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” – Luke 10:1-20.
MISSIONS
The sending of missionaries in addition to the disciples was intended to prepare people for the actual visit of Jesus. This sending had many similarities to the sending of the Twelve.
‘When Jesus had called the 12 together, He gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He told them: “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt. Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. If people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” So they set out and went from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere. Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was going on. And he was perplexed because some were saying that John had been raised from the dead, – Luke 9:1-7.
Although the specific assignment was limited, Jesus gave some missionary principles that are valid for His followers in all times:
- Effective witnesses go in obedience to their Lord.
- God has people willing to respond if His people will go.
- Fellowship in witness gained by going with a partner strengthens the witness.
- An adequate supply of evangelists, pastors and missionaries comes in response to prayer.
- Christian witnesses are often at risk as ‘lambs among wolves’.
- God can and will provide for His messengers’ needs.
- God’s business is urgent.
- The impact of our witness can be enhanced by receiving hospitality graciously.
- Messengers of the gospel deserve support.
- God’s missionaries or ‘sent ones’ represent Him.
- Following Christ’s instructions will bring harvest and joy.
THE CHURCH, GOD’S KINGDOM – The gospel of the kingdom must be proclaimed and received. No one is forced to receive it, but all must be encouraged to accept it. The kingdom brings healing and salvation to those who believe but rejection and judgement for those who do not.
PROCLAMATION – The presence of God’s kingdom was the central theme Jesus preached. He gave His disciples the same theme to preach. The kingdom’s presence meant God was in Jesus fulfilling His promises and inaugurating His new order of life under His rule. Proclamation was not limited to one place or one time. Both Jesus and the disciples went everywhere proclaiming the gospel. Proclamation was a part of their total ministry, which included healing and other ministries to the deep needs of people. The proclamation of the gospel is one way God establishes and invites participation in His kingdom.
SALVATION – Those who receive God’s sent ones also receive the Son and the Father who sends them. We manifest our acceptance of God’s Son by our acceptance of His children.
THE CHURCH – The church continues Christ’s ministry and receives the same reactions He did. To reject the church’s message of God’s kingdom in Christ is to reject God and His salvation.
EVIL AND SUFFERING – Satan is the tempter or accuser who brings charges against people before the heavenly throne. His defeat and ouster from heaven became sure when Christ gave His power over satanic forces to His church. The church must be intent on defeating Satan and participating in the heavenly kingdom, not on proudly exhibiting its power on earth. Luke 10:9 is not to call to Christians to test God by opening themselves to danger. It is a call to confess God’s power and certain victory over all that oppose Him.
DIVINE PRESENCE – The 72 followers found evil was subject to them. This symbolically foreshadowed God’s full reign in the world. These signs, revealed through the disciples, teach the nature and purpose of God. He makes good to rule evil and redeems all who submit to His loving and good will. Christ reminded His disciples the greatest miracle is the salvation we as sinners receive, not the power God displays through us.
INITIATIVE – Jesus sent out the 72 in twos to minister in His name. This sending was symbolic of the coming mission to the Gentiles. God took the initiative in salvation for all nations. Jesus gave His sent ones authority to carry out their mission. God’s sent ones were to rejoice more that they had received His mercy and forgiveness than in their power over evil spirits.
EVANGELISM – Christians are to go where the lost live to evangelise them. Every village and town needs Christian witness. Some will receive the message and ministry, some will not. Those who respond positively will experience peace; those who reject the truth incur judgement on themselves. Christian witnesses must accept opposition. Wise action and pure living are necessary to gain a hearing from the lost. Persecution will provide opportunities to witness, even to high government officials. Worry is not necessary in such situations. Faithful witnesses can rely on the Holy Spirit.
Stay blessed!
By Dr Joyce Aryee, the author
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