Bulldog Evangelism

And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed.

Matthew 9:2 ESV

They were persistent, tenacious and determined. Nothing would stop them. No obstacle was too great. The four people, who pushed their way through the crowd to get their friend to Jesus, carried more than their comrade on that stretcher. They carried the spirit of a bulldog. Good for them. Not enough has been written in celebration of those four who tore apart a ceiling in order to lower their friend down to Jesus. The press of the crowd did not stop them. The possibility of Jesus rejecting them carried no weight (pun intended), and the ugly looks from the Pharisees did not deter them. It was bulldog evangelism at its best.

I remember, as if it were yesterday, my day of decision for Christ. I recall with fondness that old Navy Chief who would not accept my weak testimony. He kept asking me the tough questions. “Mike, are you sure you know Jesus as your Savior.” Every time I shouted (not literally) yes, the Spirit of God whispered no. I’m glad I listened to the Spirit that day and I’m thankful for that crusty old witness for Jesus. Through his stubbornness, and the convicting Spirit of God, I gave my heart to the Lord.

Now I’m not an advocate of yanking the fruit before its ready, but neither do I agree with an approach of no approach at all. Too often we walk past the tree without even checking. As far as I know the only way to know if it’s ready is to give it a little tug. So, walk over to that tree with a smile and tug away. The simple truth is people need Jesus. He is the only one who can satisfy the deepest longings of their hearts. He is the only one who can save us from our sin.

I, by nature, am a long-pressure type of guy. I’d starve to death as a car salesman. But when it comes to the eternal destiny of men’s souls, it’s good to have a bit of old-fashioned boldness.