2 Timothy 4:5
By Rev. Greg Duke
“As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:5)
Day by day they sit there, squarely tucked between the front windshield and dashboard of my truck. Every now and then they’re pulled away to load some firewood, hook up a utility trailer, or for some other difficult work. But over the years my old leather work gloves have fulfilled a much grander kingdom purpose in serving as a daily reminder that I am to do the difficult work of evangelism.
This glove idea came to me soon after reading of the life and ministry of Alexander Maclaren; a great Scottish preacher of the 19th Century. History tells us that Maclaren (known as “The Prince of Expositors”) daily wore an old clunky pair of work boots into his study to remind him that his study and sermon preparation was to be a difficult work. He was an excellent expository preacher and evangelist. Maclaren had his work boots. I have a pair of gloves.
It is an understatement to say that evangelism is hard work. More often than not, it’s extremely messy and painful work wading into the complicated lives and jacked up thoughts of broken people. Some may find it easier, or perhaps think it best, to spend their time with spiritually like-minded individuals who live and think like them. But we’re called to more as the body of Christ. We’re called to a gospel partnership with God the Holy Spirit in evangelism as we make disciples of all nations. Besides, is it not unbelievably exciting and rewarding to see men and women come to faith after having gently, patiently, and freely offered the gospel of redemption in Christ to them? And here’s one more quick thought as we consider our hard work in the area of evangelism. Maclaren said, “If you would win the world, melt it, do not hammer it.”
By Rev. Greg Duke
“As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:5)
Day by day they sit there, squarely tucked between the front windshield and dashboard of my truck. Every now and then they’re pulled away to load some firewood, hook up a utility trailer, or for some other difficult work. But over the years my old leather work gloves have fulfilled a much grander kingdom purpose in serving as a daily reminder that I am to do the difficult work of evangelism.
This glove idea came to me soon after reading of the life and ministry of Alexander Maclaren; a great Scottish preacher of the 19th Century. History tells us that Maclaren (known as “The Prince of Expositors”) daily wore an old clunky pair of work boots into his study to remind him that his study and sermon preparation was to be a difficult work. He was an excellent expository preacher and evangelist. Maclaren had his work boots. I have a pair of gloves.
It is an understatement to say that evangelism is hard work. More often than not, it’s extremely messy and painful work wading into the complicated lives and jacked up thoughts of broken people. Some may find it easier, or perhaps think it best, to spend their time with spiritually like-minded individuals who live and think like them. But we’re called to more as the body of Christ. We’re called to a gospel partnership with God the Holy Spirit in evangelism as we make disciples of all nations. Besides, is it not unbelievably exciting and rewarding to see men and women come to faith after having gently, patiently, and freely offered the gospel of redemption in Christ to them? And here’s one more quick thought as we consider our hard work in the area of evangelism. Maclaren said, “If you would win the world, melt it, do not hammer it.”
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