I visited with a friend a day or two ago. He told me the most profound truth, and I want to share it. My friend is a voluntary street evangelist in a large city. An evangelist’s prime purpose is to lead sinners to the freedom found in a “Christ” acquaintance.
In order to create a want, one must experience need. Because a relationship with Jesus first requires an awareness of a need, my friend asks pointed questions of those he meets. Perhaps the question is whether the individual he meets is experiencing freedom. Whether their heart is surrendered. This might be the cause for feeling convicted; feeling guilty.
In any case, my friend tells me that one day he was feeling energized. He visited with a man. During the course of their visit, my friend noticed that the man’s head hung lower and lower. He was puzzled. They parted ways. Suddenly the light came on! It occurred to my friend that the poor man had been dealt two shots of conviction, but only one of hope. He was left with a deficit. He was short a solution.
The testimony of my friend was, “Never again will I come in with that dosage. From this day on I wish to approach all men with one shot of conviction, two of hope.”
Jesus says, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest in your souls.” (-paraphrase Matthew 11:28)
Jesus is speaking to all of us. Even if disappointments are lying heavy on us. Jesus himself is lowly and meek. He invites us to become acquainted with him. It’s all in a nutshell here. Then the promise: ye shall find rest in your souls.
No parameters. No discrimination. No problem too great. No sin too grave.
One shot conviction. Two of hope!
