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How often to you find yourself in the right place at the right time to help a stranger?? Over the last couple of years in particular, I've had it happen numerous times. Whether it was "studiously ignoring" the person walking behind me down the street only to have them ask me for directions at the light and actually inviting them to walk some of the way and point out the rest; or going through a check out line at the store only to have the cashier ask for a closer look at the watercolor sunflower and hummingbird tattoo on my other forearm because just the day before she decided she wanted one and mine would give her an idea how it would look, etc... So many "God moments" that could have been received with annoyance, but instead I reacted with grace. Granted, none of these resulted in a conversation about God exactly, but the fact that I was willing to respond with kindness made a difference to these people.
One of my Pastor's illustrations this morning involved a mentor of his while they were at a Burger King for lunch. This other man in line asked for the time, and ended up talking about his troubled marriage. The mentor engaged with him and shared about the love of God in that moment.
Today's message covers the role/gift of the Evangelist. This word comes from the Greek and literally means, "one who proclaims good news." These people have a gathering heart and welcoming voice to bring people to Salvation in Christ. Now generally the first thing we imagine is someone like Billy Graham who spoke to thousands at once, but that is actually the exception rather than the rule for people gifted in Evangelism. Most Evangelism actually happens across the table, sharing coffee or a meal.
Turn with me to Luke 19:1-10 as we see Jesus in this evangelistic role.
Here we find the story of Jesus' encounter with Zacchaeus. For those of you unfamiliar with him, Zacchaeus was Chief Tax Collector in Jericho. To his fellow Jews, this meant he was pretty much the lowest of the low, barring lepers. He had "sold out" to the Romans and had the authority to set taxes as he saw fit and pocket the overage. Read through and see how Jesus draws him in.
There are 4 points of Evangelism to observe in this passage --
1) Jesus noticed Zacchaeus. Jesus was just passing through, so we know He had other places to be, but He stopped for this man who literally had to climb a tree to see Jesus
walking by.
2) Jesus moved toward Zacchaeus. Jesus knew his name and honored him by inviting Himself
over to eat. Hospitality was very important among Jews (and still may be), and although we would view this as presumptuous and rude today, it was an honor in that society. Here was the famous Rabbi inviting himself to dinner, Zacchaeus wasn't about to reject that opportunity!! Jesus could just as easily have ignored Zacchaeus and gone on His way, but
instead, He takes the time to engage him and thus draws him into His Kingdom.
3) Jesus was unconcerned about His reputation. Verse 7 tells us that people started to mutter about what Jesus was doing. I mean, this man was a SINNER!! What was Jesus thinking!!?? This not only shows a risk of reputation on the part of the Evangelist, but a "moving away" from the Church body in order to reach out and "move toward" to the lost.
4) Jesus invited Zacchaeus' response. Jesus meets people where they are at, and respects their decisions. Zacchaeus' repentance included action and "unhinged" him from the sin of greed he had allowed his position to trap him into. We can look at this in contrast to the story of the Rich Young Ruler just back in Ch. 18:18-30. The Rich Young Ruler chose to reject Jesus' invitation and continued to do life his own way. People may choose to reject God in a variety of ways whether it is just about believing the lie that "this is just how the world works", or an unwillingness to break out of our habits of sin (even if we are already saved)*; or like the Rich Young Ruler, insisting on doing life our own way. God invites us into His love and fulfilling life by untangling us from our sin. How will we respond??
Verses 9 and 10 are key to the story and ultimately, to God's purpose and heart. Verse 9 tells us that Zacchaeus' faith not only brought him back into recognition as a Jew, but as a "true Son of Abraham", as Jesus phrased it. This was not only referring to his lineage, but his new status as a Christian. Romans 4:16 tells us that all believers are Abraham's offspring in the aspect of our faith.
A Church with a strong Evangelistic voice will be made stronger not only by it's growth, but by the Evangelists' outreach encouraging others in their own gifts. Once again, God's heart is that we in the Church have unity in the midst of our diversity, like facets of a diamond. All sides are necessary to bring the full spectrum of color and gifts to the world as it reflects light.
Each week of this series brings with it a list of characteristics unique to each gift. Here's the one for the Evangelist. How many of these traits resonate with you??
- recruiting for a cause -- "You just HAVE to see this!! Come join us!!"
- makes the message of Salvation clear and simple
- passionate, focused on purpose of soul-winning
- needs others to hear and respond
- goals of conversion
- enthusiasm (may be contagious) :)
- sees people as souls needing faith
- ability to personalize and conceptualize God's love
- motivated to see people move towards God.
- needs response - leads people to believe and belong
And finally, points to help and watch for as you grow in your gifting --
1) Do it!! Practice makes (more) perfect... The other story my Pastor shared was about going out to the same places so he gets to know people rather than being "stuck in Church world". He was meeting a friend for breakfast and when they thought the waitress was putting the check down, they both reached for it and ended up holding the waitress' hand. She had noticed that they prayed before the meal and invited them to pray for her!! You never know when an opportunity may come. Embrace it!!
2) Bring others. Don't feel you have to do it alone.
3) Don't judge. This means both the lost and your fellow Church members. Be humble and gracious. Remember that not everyone is going to respond positively in either circle. Not everyone in your Church carries the same gifting. Nor is everyone going to end up saved that day. You may just be planting a seed, watering it, or you may be the one harvesting.* Whatever the case, don't dismiss any one of these stages.
Keep seeking your gift and growing it!! God Bless!!
Footnote 1 -- * sinning after we are Saved is inevitable, but we should generally try to avoid it.
However, we can rely on 1 Jn. 1:9 if we do mess up. "if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This doesn't give us a license to do what we want. Keep in mind that we are Saved BY Grace, not TO Grace. Some people claim that we can lose our Salvation if we sin too much or reject God too much, but I really don't think that's true. It just doesn't track with verses that speak of us being "sealed to the time..." As it says in Eph. 1:13-14, among others. There is much debate as well concerning Hebrews 6:4-6. As far as I can see, this passage is saying that if a person has truly experienced Salvation, they couldn't possibly turn away; therefore, anyone who does was never saved in the first place. Romans 5:1 speaks of having "peace with God." How can we have peace if we fear losing Salvation?? Nope...
Footnote 2 -- * I know an old Church tune about sowing, watering, and harvesting. :)
IDK what she's saying in the beginning, but here it is --
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