Save the field!
Matthew 9:35~38 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. (35)
Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #499 Far, Far Away in Heathen and Darkness Dwelling (#277 in previous version)
Jesus shared important principles to save the field through several parables (Matthew 13:1~58). Looking at the parable of scattering the seeds, the story about the path, rocky places, the thorns, and good soil comes out. There is no need to fall into discouragement if we are perhaps looking at the seeds scattered in incorrect places, not bearing fruits. This is because if it is just spread on the fertile land, it will bear 30 times, 60 times and 100 times the fruit. Even if there are no fruits when we shared the Gospel, the grain is absolutely husked and there is no need to pay attention to the weeds. The Gospel is very small but visible, like a mustard seed, and it bears fruit as it has life. Like this, Jesus’ parable explains the important principle of saving people in the field. We have been called as the evangelists who save the field.
1. The actual field
If we go to the field, we can see many people who have lost their path. Although they act as though they live well, there are many people who have actually lost their path and are wandering. Although they work diligently and have succeeded through their best efforts, behind the scenes there are hidden hardships, like problems of the individual, family and children. In fact, even believers who live their walk of faith shake in the field and are wandering. Not just believers, but many church lay leaders and pastors are even wandering.
2. The field for the sake of salvation
In order to save the people who are wandering, what is important is factually enjoying prayer, the Word and evangelism and getting a taste of them. Here, we can gain spiritual strength. We of course, meet many problems, conflicts and difficult circumstances. At this time, it is important to apply and enjoy the Gospel so it truly becomes the Gospel. We call this Gospelization. When we individually are first Gospelized, we end up gaining a great strength.
3. The field that can be saved through small things
It will work if we go to the field and start with the small things. We will see the answer if we begin with understanding the people in our midst or friends’ circumstances, and doors will open if we just slightly care for others and help them. When the door opens, at that time we should share the accurate Gospel and relay the blessing of God. Change your thinking and don’t try to get help from others, but instead, all we need to do is regard meetings as important, be considerate towards others, understand them, help them, and sincerely relay the grace we have received. If you look at yourself objectively before God and seek the grace of God, you will see the answers of people coming to life because of the Gospel in the field.
-The start of the Gospelization of myself and the Gospelization of the field is today’s evangelism, today’s Word and today’s prayer. Challenge in a classy way today in the Gospel, and reflecting on your field and your meetings, try starting the challenge of the Gospel.
Remnant Study of Evangelism Lecture 239 / 2010.8.7