Evangelism: Determine to Finish What You Start

“This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17b

It’s interesting to note, that before Jesus began his ministry, he was led into the wilderness. You would think, after reading how the heavens opened and a dove, representing the Holy Spirit, descending upon Him and hearing the Father say, “This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased” [Matthew 3:17] dynamic, high volume tent crusades would follow, but that’s not what happened. Instead of hitting the road as an instant full time evangelist with an enormous following, He was led into the lonely, isolation of the wilderness.

It's important to understand that before Jesus would take this world by storm. He was about to transform twelve average men into powerhouse ministers, who would ultimately turn the world upside down. He would heal the sick, blind and lame, caste out demons and free all mankind from the cruel reign of sin. By subjecting His body to the rigorous conditions of the wilderness terrain and fasting forty days and nights, Jesus committed himself to the art of discipline, thus drawing a line in the sand in an outward confession that the ministry He would start, He would finish. He made his position known and His mind was made up, nothing Satan could do or would offer could ever deter or distract Him from His mission.

Today, we’re faced with a whirlwind of a challenge.  While some ministers move forward in their calling, some leave the ministry disgruntled and confused, but the mission is still very much before us. While the population multiplies and cultures change, our mission grows more evident and clear. We’re called and commissioned to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. We are to teach the Word, as Jesus taught.  So why then are so many falling away? The answer is complex yet simple; many are losing their determination to finish what was started. 

Perhaps you’ve lost focus of the task God has given you. The enemy, like a tornado, has blown in and destroyed all that you’ve built and labored for.  You feel buried under the rubble, left with nothing but the debris of failed attempts and shattered dreams.  Go back to the wilderness! Go back to when God first validated you, when His Spirit first rested upon you and you knew without a doubt you were called to greatness. 

Oh how His passion fueled your ambitions and motivated you to look beyond the puzzled faces that stared in disbelief. When you breezed past the doubters that questioned how God could use someone like you. Remember? Remember when His anointing showered you, filling you until your cup spilled over into the hearts and lives of all who were around you? It started in the wilderness, where you drew the line in the sand and committed yourself to a life of discipline; determining within yourself that this was the point of no return, you wouldn’t leave like you entered; you wouldn’t come out the same. Return to the wilderness, the place where you got alone with God and engaged in hand to hand combat with Satan and made your position known. It’s time! It’s time to finish what you’ve started!

Feeling the Heat: When God Reveals Himself

“… our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” Daniel 3:17-18

There it stood bold, yet lifeless, glistening in the sun. King Nebuchadnezzar beamed, no doubt proud of his golden accomplishment, as the herald announced, “To you the command is given, nations and men of every language, that at the moment you hear the music, you are to bow and worship the golden image that our king has set up. If you do not, you will be cast into the firey furnace!” Fear grips every heart as the debate to stand firm or bow  begins. Sure we’d like to cough up the heroic theatrical experience and say, “I’d never bow!” but truth be told, once the realization of getting baked alive hits us, our first response quickly catapults us in the opposite direction.

For Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, however, the choice was clear. “You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol... You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God” [Exodus 20:3-5a], wasn't a quote sketched to decorate their homes; it was a command God inscribed in their hearts. And as they were quickly ushered into the king’s presence they boldly proclaimed, “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the fiery furnace; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” [Daniel 3:17-18].  They knew God was fully capable of intervening in their situation and while I truly believe they felt they were ready to die if God so chose, I can’t help but wonder if, while on their way to the furnace, did any doubts surface?

“Oh God, our hope and trust is in You! Lord, I know you spoke the worlds into existence. I know you made the sun to shine and gave life to us all and right now, Oh God, I pray that you’ll put the fire out before we’re thrown in. Reveal yourself mighty and the king and all his subjects will see your hand at work and will bow to You and see You as the One True God!” How often have we prayed such a prayer? We’d love nothing more than to tell God how to reveal Himself, usually by saving our skin. Then who’s to say they didn’t either. We like to super spiritualize people in the Bible and give them extra credit, but they were just as human as you and me. The closer they got to the furnace, feeling its intense heat, I imagine the harder they prayed.

Then suddenly, as they were thrown into the blazing fire, their captors fell dead. Yet, to their amazement, they were still very much alive. What I wouldn’t give to hear their worship right then. God didn’t save them from the furnace, but He chose to reveal Himself by protecting them in the midst of its flames. Isaiah 55:8 and 11 says, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD…  My word which goes forth from My mouth; it will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.”

Like the three Hebrew boys, when we stand upon God’s Word, our faith will be put to the test. Sometimes God may choose to intervene before we’re feeling the heat or in the midst of the fire, but either way, He will show up and reveal Himself in the most amazing ways. So today, I want to encourage you to trust Him and put your full confidence in His Word, because like Meshach, Shadrach and Abed-nego, you too will come out without even the stench of smoke!