Out, into the World

 

Jesus tells his disciples, “you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. … Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations” (Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:17).  Anyone who feels uncomfortable with the imperative on Christians to share their faith and lead others to follow Jesus needs to take that discomfort up with him.  The call to be witnesses and evangelists, comes from Jesus, so if we don’t like the idea of trying to influence others by introducing them to him, we need to take our dislike to him.  Don’t complain to the pastor that you think evangelism is spiritually arrogant or culturally imperialistic.  Take it up with the giver of the command, Jesus.

            I took our youth group for a walk on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill, Sunday afternoon, when the weather was so intoxicatingly pleasant.  With social-distancing easing up a bit and the weather so nice, everyone was out.  College students; town residents; the street was abuzz with life.  We were able to catch a glimpse of a bit of the world Jesus wants us to evangelize.

            Refuge (the Hillside young adult small group) has been following the series “In Pursuit of Jesus,” https://inpursuitofjesus.net/.  Pastor Rasool Berry travels the world looking for signs of the presence of Jesus, and he finds them in New York City, Singapore, Sweden, and other places.  Viewing these videos, we get more impressions of the world Jesus sends us to, in order to be his witnesses.  I highly recommend you check this out.

            Evangelism is not easy and can feel kind of icky if we conceive of it as trying to sell strangers something they don’t want to buy.  But, if we can learn to see the people we meet as neighbors, and if we can love them deeply, and if we can think of evangelism as sharing the most wonderful truth that all people need, then we can embrace the call.  To be Christian is to be called by Jesus.  Will we answer?

            Let one of your Lenten practices be prayer for evangelism.  Pray that people who don’t know the Lord will come to know him through the testimony of humble, loving Christ-followers.  Ask God to help you see how he wants you to share your testimony.  Ask Him to infuse your own witness with gentleness, hospitality, and grace.  And, spend significant time asking God to show you the Judea and Samaria to which he is sending you.  What will be your evangelistic field?  Then, listen to His answer.  Then, go.  Go out into the world, to share the good news of life in Christ.