Appropriately for our Blessing Sunday, in which Grace Church took to the streets, we read about Jesus's sending out the 12 apostles. His motivation and strategy still remain key ingredients to all our Gospel ministry; if we do not follow these tenets, we will needlessly spin our wheels and miss out on the great blessings of loving and serving others and presenting them with an invitation to the Kingdom of God.
Jesus's heart for the people of all nations caused Him to set this plan of sending the apostles in motion. In Matthew 9:35-38, we read about this compassion of Christ: "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.'" In Jesus's words, we recognize that Gospel ministry ultimately springs from God's heart, and our connection to Him will indeed fan flames of passion for His glory and goodness among others. Secondly, we may see that Jesus "owns" the harvest and has responsibility for bringing it. In Gospel ministry, therefore, as with other facets of life, our responsibility lies in following His instructions faithfully and leaving the results to the "Lord of the harvest."
Many times, our hearts become fearful as we consider evangelism. In all ministry, we have the opportunity to reveal the love of Christ to others. Clearly, we cannot change anyone's heart, but God can -- instantly. We are tools in His plan of bringing an ingathering of the nations. We may rejoice that the future holds a wonderful success story that God is writing through His willing servants on a daily basis: "After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: 'Salvation belongs to our God,/ who sits on the throne,/ and to the Lamb.'" (Revelation 7:9,10)
In terms of strategy, we read about Jesus's intention that the apostles would work together (a testimony to the unity found in Christ) and seek out people of peace. Jesus was less concerned about methodology than in people. When we channel Jesus's heart of love for people and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8), we are well-equipped to be ready co-workers with Him. In addition, fellowshipping with God through His Word and prayer makes us ready (Ephesians 6:10-18; 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Timothy 3:14-17).
Jesus's commitment to this mission continues for all generations, as promised in the Great Commission: "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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 everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'" The authority He granted to the apostles has fallen to us, should we wish to work alongside. Are you ready?
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