Luke 5:32 I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.” NLT
"TO WHOM"- QUESTION OF AUDIENCE
I love Jesus. He knew His audience while on earth. Those who thought they were righteous didn't benefit from his ministry because He came for those who recognized themselves as sinners.
Two great leaders in our time comes to mind. Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke of blessed memory and Rev Dr. Bola Akin-John are examples of today's devotional.
Reinhard Bonnke, a German evangelist was sent to Africa. His major audience were in Africa. He could have staged his crusades in Europe or Asia but the Lord pointed him to the unsaved peoples in Africa.
On the other hand, Rev Dr Bola Akin-John is a trainer of pastors and ministry leaders for over three decades. He teaches biblical Church Growth&Health with great dexterity and anointing.
He has authored over 100 best-selling books for church leaders and published other resource materials. Anywhere church leaders are gathered, his ministry finds expression there.
He could have pioneered a church and run regular church meetings but the every day comer to church are not his audience. His audience are the leaders of those shepherd the sheep. I have benefited from his ministry immensely.
In purpose fulfilment, you need to define your audience. The question of "To whom" must be answered the moment God gives you an assignment.
The bitter truth is that you can't reach everyone. Knowing your potential audience will help focus your energy better on those to search for.
The principal audience of Paul were the Gentiles in his day. He didn't waste his energy traveling around Israel and writing epistles to the Jewish believers. He concentrated his effort on the Gentiles.
All over the world, God is giving His sons assignment to target groups. Surprisingly, God has not forgotten children and teenagers. God is raising people to disciple children and teenagers. If your audience are in that category, don't despise the assignment.
Who are your audience?
Ask the Lord to reveal your audience to you.