The following article comes from Fellowship Magazine, Winter 1996, a

publication of the Assemblies of God International Fellowship (not

associated with the Assemblies of God).

GO OUT INTO THE HIGHWAYS & HEDGES

by Herb Green

For years church tradition has taught us to organize our services and

church programs and then invite the people to come in. But in Luke 14:23

we are instructed to go out and compel them to come in.

Today in many churches, so called revivals are merely platforms for

believers to get together and enjoy themselves, and for the Pastors to

raise money. As Christians we need enjoyment and obviously it takes

money to operate. However, the scriptures are emphatically clear about

how we are to enjoy ourselves. Neh. 8:10 we often quote the latter part

where it says:

 "The Joy of the Lord is my strength." But the former where

he said "Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send

portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy

unto the Lord; neither be ye sorry; for the Lord is Your strength."

When we eat the fat (The Word) and drink the sweet (The Holy Spirit)

then we are to share what we have digested with those for whom nothing

is prepared. This refers to those on the highways and those behind the

hedges. The word highways is a Greek word (Hodos) which means journey,

way or transient, those travelling the streets. The word hedges means a

partition, wall or fence, those behind prison walls, in institutions or

secluded from the public such as crack houses, after hour joints or

illegal gambling dens. These areas of evangelism have been too long neglected by the church. It

is time to reach the unreachable and touch the untouchable.

Some years ago there was a survey conducted in a large correctional

facility. It was discovered that 80% of the inmates in that institution

had never been to church, nor had any Christian orientation as a child.

It is no wonder that the streets are dominated by thieves, murderers and

crack heads, who have no moral standards and no regard for human life.

The Prophet Jeremiah said in Lamentation 2: 19,

Arise, cry out in the

night: in the beginning of the watches pour out thine heart like water

before the face of the Lord: Lift up thy hands toward him for the life

of thy young children, that faint for hunger in the top of every street.

Neighbor, this is the scene today, and it's not a good picture. Young

people hanging on the corners in the top of every street, restless,

undisciplined. Fainting for hunger, yet not knowing what they hunger

for.  We must stand in the gap with weeping and intercession for these young

people. And yes we must go out into the highways and hedges and compel

them to come in.

So often we hear the words, "Christ is coming soon." Neighbor, He cannot

come until we fulfill His great commission, "Go ye into all the world

and preach the gospel to every creature." Amen 

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