For years, our church’s mission has been summed up in the phrase “the word to the world.” We believe that our assignment, as disciples of Christ, is to take the Great Commission to a world in need of salvation. We see this principle at play in the text before us this morning (Ezekiel 12:1–20).
In chapters 8–11, Ezekiel had been given a vision of the idolatry in Jerusalem. He had prophesied that final destruction would certainly befall the city. But lest the exiles believe that they were somehow inherently better than the survivors in Jerusalem, Yahweh gives a message for the exiles in chapter 12.
As in the preceding chapters, the message to the exiles takes the form of strange object lessons (vv. 1–7). First, Ezekiel was to pack his bags in the daytime to symbolise transport to another place. He was to dig through the wall of the city to symbolise an intent to escape. He was to cover his face so that he could not see the city as an indication that the people would not again see the city of their origin.
In vv. 8–16, Ezekiel was told to interpret the object lessons for the people. Then, in vv. 17–20 he was instructed to offer another object lesson. This time, he was to eat and drink his food with visible quaking to symbolise the fear of destruction and exile. In this way, Ezekiel was to deliver Yahweh’s word to the people in exile.
But it is significant that Yahweh sent Ezekiel to the people. The people did not come to Ezekiel asking for insight into God’s word. He, at God’s prompting, needed to initiate the discussions. He needed to take the word to the world, as it were.
Most Christians are at least somewhat prepared to answer questions about their faith. If someone asks them, “What must I do to be saved?” they will have some understanding of the gospel to answer the question. Far fewer are prepared to initiate gospel conversations—to take the word to the world. We prepare ourselves for the world coming to us, but we hesitate to go to the world. But in a society that is quickly moving away from any form of biblical moorings, it may become increasingly necessary for Christians in South Africa to initiate gospel conversations—to take the word to the world. This can be an intimidating thing, and we need God’s enabling grace to help us, but there are some simple strategies that we can employ to help us in this regard. Let’s talk briefly about three such strategies.
First, it will help us to pray for specific people. Many Christians pray regularly, but generally, for opportunities to share the gospel, but here I am thinking about the need to pray for opportunities to share the gospel with specific people in your life. Perhaps you have an unsaved colleague, or an unsaved family member, or an unsaved friend. Pray specifically for opportunities to share the gospel with people you already know. Invite others to pray with you for those opportunities. Why not ask the church to pray with you as you seek to share the gospel with that colleague? Ask the church for prayer as you seek to evangelise your family or friends. Be specific in this prayer, asking God for the boldness to share the gospel with people already in your sphere of relationships.
Second, find ways to rub shoulders with unbelievers. Certainly, we want our closest relationships to be with brothers and sisters in Christ, but it will be difficult to find opportunities for evangelism if we never spend time with unbelievers. Many will be forced to do this in their employment context, but relationships with colleagues can remain very surface level. Opportunities to share the gospel often present themselves in the context of relationship. We, therefore, will do well to intentionally forge relationships with unbelievers so that we can create gospel opportunities.
Third, don’t be ashamed to openly identify with Christ. As a Christian, you are an ambassador of the gospel (2 Corinthians 5:18–21). Speak as an ambassador. Infuse your everyday conversation with a gospel worldview. Find ways to steer everyday conversations about news and sport and entertainment in ways that will highlight gospel truth. Speak about the God of justice while others are lamenting the increasing crime rate. Speak about the God of contentment while others are complaining about poor service delivery. Speak about the God of provision while others are groaning about rising food prices. Identify with Christ in everyday life.
As you meditate on Ezekiel 12:1–20 this morning, ask yourself how you can be more intentional in creating gospel opportunities. Ask God for wisdom. Ask for boldness. Then take the word to the world.