It takes little persuasion to get us on the move when we are faced with a bee or two, a snake, or a mouse. The dictionary defines the word persuasion as a strong belief or conviction. With this in mind, let us consider a few of the involvements in a persuasion or call.
Perhaps no single thing “bugs” more young people regarding the Lord’s service, particularly abroad, than this persuasion or call. To some it is comparatively easy and crystal clear. To others it is like floundering in heavy seas for many days and nights. For Paul, it was a once-for-all “knock-out-blow” on the Damascus Road from which he never recovered- to doubt. This assurance characterized his life’s testimony to Timothy in salvation, saying, “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39). In his dedication there was not a cloud in the sky, not a moment’s hesitation. Thus he could testify unflinchingly later in life, “…I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision” (Acts 26: 19). The spiritual need of men loomed before him larger than any local horizon, and he was off.
Strange isn’t it? It takes no persuasion, no special call to plunge into work at the mine head when fellow-workers and loved ones are trapped hundreds of feet below. “My buddy is down there.” “My daddy is down there.” “My sweetheart is down there.” How true! Can’t you just feel the tug and throb of compassion. Can’t you sense the urgency of life and death. Years ago, when Henry Throne and Dave Fellin, Hazelton, PA, were trapped 365 feet below the surface in a mine disaster, workmen drilled the clock around for days to make the breakthrough. I can fairly hear the shouts of joy and almost see the tears of relief as those rescued men rose to view.
What then is involved in this missionary persuasion? Let us consider four things:
First, Paul was persuaded of his own salvation. From that moment he was no longer his own. He could say on his initial encounter with Jesus, “Lord.” The first step in missions is the Lordship of Christ. It is simple but essential.
Second, Paul was persuaded of infinite protection as he declares in Romans 8:38-39, “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” He could unreservedly say, “… none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself … “ (Acts 20:24). This assurance, like Daniel’s, took him through all things, and in all places, under all circumstances triumphantly. He didn’t quit after the first year or term of service! ” … Arise … ” said Jesus, ” … and it shall be told thee what thou must do” (Acts 9:6). ” … I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake” (Acts 9: 16). Paul arose; he went; he learned; he suffered; he endured.
Third, Paul never flinched from his first flush of love and devotion for his Lord. Thus, he could say in testimony before the great king, “Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision” (Acts 26:19). One thing that hinders many from accepting and following through with the Lord’s call is the fear of the cost in separation, sacrifice, the ever foreboding uncertainties, and insecurities. “I just the price. I just can’t do it. I can’t! I can’t!”
Paul’s similar problem was solved in Acts 26:17, when the Lord said, “Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee.” His persuasive call rested with the Lord on the word delivering. Is not this all anyone requires? ” … but God is … my portion for ever” (Psalm 73 :26), said David.
Fourth, Paul’s vision became vocal. Profession became practice. Passion became possessive. Persecuting feet became preaching feet. Loud anathemas gave way to vibrant maranathas. “And straightway he preached Christ … that he is the Son of God” (Acts 9:20).
Millions of people live without sufficient food, shelter, clothing, and health facilities. Many, many live in extreme poverty and go to bed hungry every night. Our problem is dieting; their problem is living. Their problem is not only living, but dying too. Theirs is not only a problem of wandering through this world lean, but the tragedy of drifting into eternity lost.
Yes, someone is down there, way down there, in that mineshaft of sin – really millions of them. Will you be persuaded to rescue some of them? David Livingstone was. He said, “I place no value on anything I have or possess except in relation to the kingdom of God.”
I challenge each of you to ask this question, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?”