In Defense

2 Timothy 4:16-18 English Standard Version (ESV)

16 At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! 17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Ever dream of rescuing people? There are two types in need of rescue. The first is ignorant of the danger and the second is arrogant in the face of danger. Do we choose who to rescue or is rescue alone the aim? If we knew that one in need of rescue was to kill the innocent in the future, would it give you pause in the effort to rescue? Are the innocent the only ones worthy of rescue?

Looking at today’s quote I am struck with the wording “so that the message might be proclaimed”. We must return to the parable of the sower to understand that we are responsible to spread the message and not concern ourselves with the condition of the hearer. This is the heart of the evangelist. God prepares the heart to receive the Word, not the evangelist.

Granted the easier work is to disciple the saved because they have the eyes and ears to receive and perceive the truth. Discipleship is necessary and I do not dismiss the necessity. It is just safer. Paul speaks to the dangers of evangelism in the first line above, “all deserted me.” True evangelism is not for the faint of heart. It goes where it is needed and unwanted. It faces stern opposition, threats and worse.

We do not get to choose how the Lord might use us. He is Lord and the condition of our hearts is due to His making us what we are to be in service.

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