V. Reward for Evangelizing
It is human nature to ask, “What reward will I get for
evangelizing?” The Apostle Peter asked what would be his reward for following
Christ. Jesus responded:“ . . . everyone who has left houses or brothers or
sisters or father or mother [a] or children or fields for my sake will receive
a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. (Matt. 19:29 NIV).
a. Matthew 19:29 Some manuscripts mother or wife
There is great satisfaction in leading people to Christ. The
greatest gift that one can give is to lead a person to receive eternal life. So
the work of evangelism is fulfilling. Also, as Christians travel to various
countries and lead people to Christ, such converts open their homes to the evangelists.
So those who have left homes are welcomed into a hundred times more homes.Those
who have left family are blessed with the love of a hundred families. And those
who leave their home for Christ have an eternal home in heaven.
While there is great reward in leading people to Christ, an
evangelist may also experience persecution and hardship (see John 15:18-21).
But for those called to the purposes of God, the Lord brings good out of bad
experiences (see Romans 8:28). The Apostles evangelized and made disciples, so
the Jewish leaders had the Apostles flogged. Then the Jews ordered the Apostles
not to speak in the name of Jesus. Consider the response of the Apostles.
The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been
counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 42Day after day, in the
temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and
proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.[a] (Acts 5:41,42 NIV)[a]
Acts 5:42 Or Messiah
The Apostles rejoiced in their suffering for Christ! Proclaiming
the Gospel is not easy, but there is joy in such work. Also, converts to the
Christian faith experience joy, and sometimes persecution. (For details and for free course
visit <www.missionstraining.org>)
