The Ministry of Reconnaissance
Reconnaissance: the best word to describe missionary evangelism.
The preacher, obviously in enemy territory, actively employs the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, to destroy the lies of the adversary (Eph 6:10–20; Heb 4:12).
This same Word of truth engages those enslaved to Satan (Rom 6:6). While serving him with blinded minds (1 Cor 2:14; 2 Cor 4:4), these workers of iniquity are confronted in the same way as the Israelite slaves encountering Moses in Exodus.
Not recognizing God’s anointed deliverer is costly. How about another 40 years in darkness? How about another 40 years in aimless wandering? How about an eternity of darkness?
They have ears, but they cannot hear. They have eyes, but they cannot see. They have legs, but they are lame. Who can make an unwilling slave to hear, to see, and to flee from his bondage to sin?
When the Gospel preacher appears in his pulpit, the objective is clear. He proclaims the one and only Deliverer of slaves to sin (Rom 1:16–17; 1 Cor 1:18; 2:2). Ironically, the preacher’s lot is often that of his Master (Col 1:24). The majority maneuver against him, while the remnant see the light, the truth, the way…life.
For these, Paul wrote, “I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the Word of God is not imprisoned. For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen…(2 Tim 2:9–10).”
There it is. The ministry of the Word of God is for the elect of God, who sit enslaved in darkness (Is 9:2). Our ministry is to find God’s people in the midst of the mass of humanity. The ordained means to flush them out is the proclamation of Jesus Christ (Mt 24:14; Mk 16:15; 1 Cor 1:18; 2:2, 4).
Who will go for us? This remains the unchangeable inquiry from God. In every generation, men of God rise up, following a clear view to the sovereign King of kings. They answer His call, “Here am I, send me…on the reconnaissance mission to set His elect captives free.
David Norczyk
Spokane Valley, Washington
February 2, 2022
