That fall day, as he penned his last written words from a cold prison cell, he told his son in the Faith: “Do the work of an evangelist” Paul knew well the words of Isaiah who described in vivid and glorious poetry, the ministry of an evangelist. (Is 52:7-10) How beautiful the feet of an evangelist! He joyfully comes bringing the good news of peace, that there is now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. He gladly shares the good things of the Lord who has blessed us with every blessing and chosen us in His Son. He proclaims that salvation has been assured for those who will receive it, for God is not willing that any should perish.

    What fills a person’s heart with such joyful love? Because Jesus laid down His life for us; we love because He first loved us. We bring good news of peace, because peace was brought to us; we share of His goodness, because He has been good to us; we proclaim salvation, because He has saved us; we comfort others, because we have been comforted; we sing, because He is worthy of our praise!

    Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks, that’s why an evangelist is such a joyful steward of God’s grace, because he spends time in the presence of the Lord where there is fullness of joy. The joy of the Lord is the strength of an evangelist! The very word “evangelist” means, one who brings good news, and by implication, he brings the news joyfully! Evangelism is a work of joy; may the Spirit rekindle our joy!