As we have been studying through Isaiah the whole idea of evangelism has been there in the background. The people of God have always been and will always be God’s main tool in bringing others to the faith. Israel was condemned for not being a light to the nations. So what does that mean for you and me? There are several ways to respond. We could very readily see the imperative of needing to do what the Scriptures say and turn to and try hard to get it done. That is the right thing to do of course. But, is it really? Think for a moment about some other possible responses. Of course there is always the response of not responding. However, to not respond is a clear violation of God’s clear command. So what other responses are there?
Let us cut the chase and get right to the heart of the matter. The first response I gave you is a response that is task oriented. You have to ask yourself what is the motivation for accomplishing the task? Is the motivation for being a light to the nations doing what I'm supposed to do or is it a natural outflow of a soul transformed by the Holy Spirit applying the magnificent love of God? This is where keen introspection is very helpful. Remember Psalm 139 where the psalmist opens his heart to God saying, Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! Ask God the Holy Spirit to do just that. We are prone to works righteousness, trying harder to do better so we will earn God's favor. That is not the gospel, that is not what Jesus came and died on the cross to obtain. Jesus' life, death and resurrection provide those who trust in Him with righteousness, freedom and the in-dwelling Holy Spirit so that we might be His willing servants.
In Christ, we are freed to serve the living God in worship, fellowship and service to others. These are not things we do in our own strength; we only do them rightly when it is God working in and through us. When the Holy Spirit is transforming our lives, when the life people see in us is Christ's life in us, then we will be a light to the nations. The life of the Christian is beautiful when it is given over to the Lord with a willing heart. A willing heart is a heart that follows joyfully, not one that is driven to accomplish. We must be careful here because the difference has eternal ramifications. Is it wrong to want to be fruitful for the kingdom? Absolutely not, the advancement of the kingdom of God should be our greatest priority. In the advancement of the kingdom is God glorified. The problem is we often seek our own glory under the pretense of seeking God's glory. Therefore, “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and…” make me a light to the nations.
