The Risks & Rewards of Mission
Text: Luke 10:1-24 | Listen to Message
Gospel Privileges
The contemporary Christian often excuses him or herself from sharing the Good News of Jesus with others because…
- “I’m not exactly sure how to start that conversation.”
- “I might get in a situation where I don’t know the answer to something.”
- “It might put our relationship in an awkward place.”
- “Someone might reject me and then I’d be sad.”
Interestingly enough, when Jesus commissions a bunch of ordinary followers to be ministers of the Gospel, he presupposes dangers far worse than these! He says, “I’m sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. There will be times of deep discouragement. And lots of people will flat out reject you – because in reality they reject me.”
But Jesus also has a ton of encouraging news for his partners in the Gospel. Before they go, and then again as they return, he shows them seven rewards that come to those who proclaim the Gospel in word and deed. Let these encourage and motivate you today!
Preparation and Peacemaking: Apart from repentance and faith, people are estranged from and at enmity with God. But what if you declare peace through the work of Christ, and some actually repent and believe? Can you imagine the unbelievable privilege of helping prepare people to meet God on good terms?
Provision and Protection: Yes, you’re like lambs in the midst of wolves … but you have a Good Shepherd. And yes, you’re utterly dependent on God … but He has already promised to supply all your needs according to His riches. So go! Discover the joy of trusting God rather than your own resources – and watch Him show up with stunning examples of His providential care!
Partnership: God could do the work of salvation entirely by Himself; He doesn’t need us. Yet He gives us the privilege of receiving His power and authority to labor in His field for a beautiful harvest. In the end, Christ gets the glory and you get the joy of knowing he chose to use you in his master plan.
Permanence: Think about the things you’re investing your time, energy, and resources in right now. Even if you excel at those things, how long do you think your legacy is going to last? In sharing the Gospel, Christ invites us into something that has an eternal impact. Think of the joy of worshiping Christ in heaven one day along with others that you helped point to Jesus!
Perception: Sometimes we labor for Christ and it feels like nothing’s happening. But then Jesus pulls back the veil and says, “When you were sharing the Good News of my kingdom, I was watching Satan fall like lightning.” God’s always doing far more than meets the eye. And when He lets you glimpse what He’s doing and how you’re a part of that, that perception brings great joy.
It’s important to note these rewards are not a wage. They’re not some legalistic, merit-based compensation for those who excel at evangelism.
Think of it more like this: If God has awakened your heart to treasure Jesus Christ, and your love for him overflows in Gospel mission to others, you will get Jesus and a thousand other privileges of his grace that make your heart sing!