J.A. Matteson
Evangelism wrongly interpreted is a wearisome task, yet correctly understood a joyful endeavor. "Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?" (Isa. 53:1). Apart from grace the mission of the saints is futile, guaranteed to fail. Weariness is experienced by ambassadors who err in understanding God's sovereignty in redemption. They measure success by favorable responses to their plea that souls be reconciled to God through Christ. The prophet soberly discerned that apart from the power of the Spirit giving the deaf ears to hear (the arm of the LORD revealed) none would accept the message. As rain from heaven accomplishes its purpose of bringing forth and sustaining life, so too the gospel accomplishes its purpose of bringing forth life to those in darkness, whose names are written in the Lambs book of life from eternity. You know not who they are, no external identifiable mark is given among them so as to draw your attention. Only after the the gospel is presented does it become apparent to whom the arm of the LORD has been revealed, for they believe in Jesus Christ to the salvation of their souls, the word of grace having accomplished its purpose. To this end the Apostle Paul confidently persevered in an otherwise impossible mission, joyfully proclaiming, "...I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory" (2 Tim. 2:10).
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