Luke 10:1 After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. (NIV)
In case anybody should think that only the disciples were being trained in ministry (and therefore 'ordinary' believers had no responsibility in evangelism), Luke includes this episode. The Twelve had already been sent out on mission; now 72 others were told to go out. Their task was simply to announce that Jesus was coming, and that people needed to get ready for Him. It was the same job as John the Baptist's, to prepare the way for the Lord (Luke 3:4). But in addition, they were to demonstrate the power of God's Kingdom over sickness, as well as over ignorance and evil.
They were to be heralds, fore-runners, announcers: practical prophets who said, "We have met the Son of God, heard His truth and seen His power, and here is a sample of His kindness; welcome Him when He comes to your town!" Their task was critically linked with the expectation that Jesus would come to satisfy those who believed in every way. They went in pairs; partly for company and to increase their courage, and partly to check the pride which so easily creeps into 'successful' ministry. The key was that they were working with the Lord, under His instruction and expecting Him to complete the work.
Evangelism, mission and ministry were never intended to be complicated. All they require is the courage to say the truth about Jesus, and to demonstrate something of His truth and power to change lives. Find a Christian friend, pray together and seek the Lord's wisdom about where, when and how to share this wonderful message, meeting the needs of others as you go. Of course, there is no confidence for a fore-runner if you do not believe that the great person will come behind you: so we need to believe that the Lord will follow through your introduction of the person and work of Jesus. It would be a great shame if the Lord came close to one of your friends, family or colleagues and they were not ready to welcome Him as Saviour and Lord. So we all need to be alert each day: our presence in the community or workplace is God's advertisement that Jesus wants to meet them. So let's do our part well, together!
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