What about that “dash”...that dash on a tombstone represents the time between the date of birth and the date of death, the time of earthly life. As Christians, there is a lot of work to do during the dash in support of the Kingdom, and there is absolutely no question as to what our assignment is. Our assignment is clearly stated in Matthew 18:19-20…”18Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’” We are called to be vocal witnesses for Jesus Christ.
This commandment is not a new problem for us Christians and it has been ongoing since Christ’s command was put forth in Disciple Matthew’s verses 18:19-21. So, why is this a problem? Maybe we do not believe. Maybe we have fear. Maybe we are we lazy. Maybe we are not prepared. Whatever our individual problems are, we just don’t do it!
The benefits of living in the “dash” with Christ and following His commands are numerous and ultimately lead to eternal life with Him. What about the other side of this question, what if we, as Christians do not follow His command? Let’s take a brief look.
So, the problem for us here on earth is that we live in the “dash” in a fallen world. Yet we are commanded to spread the gospel to everyone, in all nations. Not a request, but a “command”. So what are we doing? First of all, do we believe “it”? Are we doing “it”? Are we becoming “it”? Are we leaving “it” to someone else? “IT” is Obedience to God’s command. Obedience to the living Word of God. Obedience to the King as His royal children. His expectation of us as His daughters and sons, royalty, is to follow His commands in total obedience.
Leaving it up to someone else certainly hasn’t worked. The thought that thousands and thousands have come to faith through the huge evangelistic crusades is truly a myth. Statistics prove this out. Statistics also prove out that the belief that thousands are coming to faith through the local church is also not true. Here’s what we know. We know that over 85% of those who are saved become so due to personal contact from another Christ-follower. A one-on-one loving, caring, and tender vocal witnessing where we always call out Jesus’ name. By the way, it is paramount that we call our Jesus’ name as there are thousands of religions in the world and so we have to be sure that the person we are witnessing to absolutely knows that our God is the Father of our Saviour Jesus Christ and not some other false god that they happen to be following at this moment in time. It is also interesting to note that statistics show that 90% of churchgoers never bring anyone to faith.
We should be concerned for all people. That includes literally all of those that we disagree with socially, politically, religiously...those who have betrayed us, those who have hurt us in some way. All people. From the beginning, God’s Word is proven true in every aspect and is very specific. We are commanded to obey. Jesus is coming back...there will be a judgment day. For everyone. No exception. Paul tells us in 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9, "8 He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might.”
The good news in the “Dash” is that as God’s children, in His likeness, with the power He has vested in us and in His Sonship, we are Royalty. And as Royalty, we are charged with acting in “noblesse oblige”, acting with generosity and nobility toward all, especially those less privileged, acting in a way that is representative of Jesus Christ.
It is our responsibility to see that all who we come into contact with have the opportunity to know Jesus Christ, and to come to faith by grace. So many have died without knowing Jesus and the truth is that the only pathway, the absolute only way to eternal salvation is through confessing with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead. (Romans 10: 9-10. Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.) So, you see it is of utmost importance that we witness vocally to all.
So, what is our disposition to Vocal Witnessing”? Do we retreat from it? If so, why? Are we afraid, feel ill-equipped, have no time, or are ashamed of our past? We should always take the posture of confidence, as God’s children, knowing that we have the promise and power of the Holy Spirit as our Counsellor. As vocal witnesses, we are commissioned to do this work, we are protected and we are provided for. Our Advocate, our Counsellor, the Holy Spirit will be by our side to provide the words to say and the strength to say them at the proper time. And as Royalty, we can make a difference. We are called to vocal witness...vocal witnessing to all we come in contact with, calling out Jesus’ name to all. Jesus said, “You shall be my witnesses.” (Acts: 1.8)
Make a plan, act, do, reap, “...become as they are so that we may save a few”, speak clearly on God’s values, listen carefully, lead, be accountable, be eager and urgent, be obedient to God’s Word. Ask God for His heart to be your heart. Intentionally work to understand unsaved people. And remember, “Vocal Witnessing” is not a specialized activity. So, when Jesus sent the people out, he did not send His disciples, he sent the regular, normal, ordinary average people like you and me to spread the “Good News”.
Do God’s work in the “Dash”. Know how to get from here to there...get them across the line to Jesus. I Peter 3:15, "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."
Dream Big! Pray Big! Believe Big!
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