Man was created not to be alone but to associate with his fellow beings. The Inspired Word tells us that "it is not good that the man should be alone." Why not alone? The last of the verse explains, "I will make him an helpmeet for him." Doubtless now and then you have seen a man who lives and works by himself. His very looks convinced you that he was in need of a helpmeet.
Of course, this text has direct reference to the husband-and-wife relationship, but indirectly it shows that a man is not all-sufficient in himself. Jesus recognized this principle when He organized His evangelistic teams. He divided the twelve into groups of two, and sent them out to hold meetings. Then again, when He sent out the seventy, they were likewise divided in the same way.
When you go out to face the foe it is a great comfort to know that you have a true friend who will stand by your side no matter how fierce the battle. It takes a brave man to meet the devil on his own ground and take his subjects from him. Do you recall how, as a youngster, you were afraid to go into a dangerous place alone? But how brave you immediately became when another boy went with you. So it is in rescuing lost souls. Jesus' method is to send men out two and two.
When the time came for the gospel message to be sent to the great Gentile world, the Holy Ghost said, "Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them." And what a power they were in starting the Christian church ! In Paul's first evangelistic team he had a young man who was afraid to get his hands soiled pitching the tent for the meetings. Paul, a man of action, could not have anyone like that around, so he had to reorganize his group. The brethren gave him Silas as his helper and song leader.
Paul and Silas went forth raising up churches and having great experiences together. One night during a song service, when the audience was made up of prisoners, there was a great earthquake, and all the prison doors were unlocked and prisoners released. There was a mighty revival that night—even the wat ien was converted. So today if the evangelist and gospel musician work together with the Holy Spirit, the prisoners in the prison house of sin will be set free.
Here are a few suggestions for the evangelistic musician who wishes to increase his usefulness to the evangelist.
1. Keep in mind that the entire service is conducted to win sinners to Christ and His wonderful salvation. Then all the different parts of the campaign will take on their proper perspective. At times we hear of discontent among the musicians because of lack of recognition of their work on the part of the evangelist. I believe that if there is a real longing for the salvation of souls in the heart of the musician, all such feelings will vanish. Like Aaron and Hur of old, the musician should uphold the hands of the evangelist, and God will bless their joint efforts with success.
2. When the song service is over, the musician is tempted to relax because he thinks that his part is over. But no, he is in a position to give the evangelist the greatest possible send-off into his subject for the evening. The song leader already has the hearts and the attention of the whole audience, and now he is to transfer their attention to the speaker. How will he do this? Simply by turning his own attention entirely to the evangelist. The audience will immediately follow his lead and look at the speaker also. Then as the evangelist presents his subject and the people hear him say "Amen," they may glance back at the song leader again. But if he has his Bible open and his eyes on the speaker, they will immediately follow his example.
You may have heard the sermon over and over, but the people have not, and you are anxious for them to hear the gospel message and accept it. That is your cue. Your attention and "Amens" help not only the people but the evangelist himself, who is encouraged and will do much better because he knows that you are fully backing him in his efforts to reach the people.
3. As the meeting draws to a close and the call is being made, watch for interested faces. Keep them in mind, and make a special effort to speak to them, or point them out to the Bible instructor.
When the evangelist knows that his song leader has a burning desire along with him to see souls saved, all will be harmony and oneness of heart and purpose. Then it is that the Holy Spirit can do His work in the hearts of the people, and sinners will be set free from the prison house of sin.
