Romans 10:14-15 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent?

The logical rationale for evangelism is presented very clearly here, but many Christians cling to the first line of verse 15 and say, “But I haven’t been sent!” Wrong. That is dealt with in tomorrow’s reading, in the Great Commission. (Matthew 28:18-20) People tend to associate that with foreign missions, to which it does apply, but it also applies to our next-door neighbors, as is dealt with in Acts 1. We are to start with those closest to us, but be willing to go wherever God indicates. I personally think it is a bad idea to send someone anywhere as a missionary if they aren’t already sharing the Gospel with the people around them. Where we are isn’t nearly as important as who we are. Until we see ourselves as representatives of a loving God, calling people to be reconciled to Him, we aren’t going to be very effective as evangelists anywhere. (2 Corinthians 5:18-20)

I have tried to communicate this until I was blue in the face, but reception has been varied, to say the least. This issue is closely linked with the whole matter of being used by God, which has come up a good bit in recent readings. People recognize, rightly enough, that they can’t save anyone, but they need to take the next step and realize that God can save people through them. For that to happen, however, they have to be willing to open their mouths, and that’s what today’s passage is all about. Everyone doesn’t need to be a trained orator, and sometimes oratory is quite counterproductive. I need to help believers understand that all they are called on to do is share their own understanding of God, and what He has done for them. Of course, every believer should be taking in the Word daily and growing in their knowledge and understanding, which should make them more effective in sharing the Gospel, but sometimes we try to share too much at once with people who have no framework of understanding to receive it. I’m certainly guilty there. Often it’s the new, relatively ignorant Christian who’s most effective at bringing their friends and family to Christ! I need to help people believe that if they will open their mouths, God will supply the words. (Psalm 81:10)

Father, fill my mouth with Your words to get Your truth through to people to set them free. (John 8:32) Thank You for Your faithfulness over the past year, and for how people are growing, me included. Help us continue to grow in the coming year, letting go of the things that have held us back and yielding ourselves fully to You as Your agents, so that Your will may be done in and through us for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!