Last Sunday, I heard a sermon that shed new light on some passages I had considered in the past. Yet another instance of the unfathomable depths of the holy Scriptures. We can always discover more.
In Matthew 10, Jesus dispersed his twelve disciples in pairs to spread the good news of the kingdom of God to the lost sheep of Israel (v. 6). He gave them authority to heal diseases and drive out demons. “Freely you have received,” he exhorted them, “freely give” (v. 8). What a great mission statement!
He further told them that to accomplish the most from their mission, they would have to do it his way. They should travel light, taking no baggage, no food, and no extra clothes. They were to head out in faith, trusting that their material needs would be met.
When they entered a Jewish town, they should knock on any door. If the resident of the home was friendly and offered to host them, they should stay put. If the resident was unwelcoming, they needn’t fret about it. They should move on until they found a worthy person (v.11).
As they delivered the good news to the villages, they would find some who listened and received it with joy, and some who rejected it and became hostile. Again, he said, don’t fret about that. Just shake the dust off your feet and move on. Don’t waste time arguing with hostile, oppositional people. There are many people hungry for truth. Find them and minister to them.
In Luke 10, we find a similar story, but this time, Jesus sent out seventy unnamed disciples to go to all kinds of places, both Jew and Gentile, to every town and place where he was about to go (v.1), with the same gospel message.
As in the previous story of the twelve, the seventy were not to bring any money, provisions, or baggage. They were to look for a person of peace (v.6) willing to welcome them into their home, and they were to eat whatever was served to them. (Was this a waiver on eating Kosher for Jewish missionaries in Gentile towns?)
Both stories include the same warning:
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore, be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” (Matt. 10:16).
“Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves”. (Luke 10:3).
My current revelation relates to Jesus’ principles about our priorities, purpose, planning, and protection. I think they apply to the various assignments he gives us.
· When we are on a mission for God, we should trust that he will take care of our needs. The hearts of key people will be moved to support us in our work. We can pack a bag (literally or metaphorically), as most of us will, but what we carry with us externally is not of major importance. And, if we bring too much of the outer stuff, it might even hinder us.
· Time is short. We should be clear about what we hope to accomplish. We need to stay on mission, not getting distracted by working conditions and circumstances. What matters to Jesus is the hearts of people. We don’t have time to waste complaining or trying to make ourselves more comfortable.
· There are mean, vicious predators out there. We don’t need to be afraid of them, but we do need to be wise and know how to slither out of danger when necessary. We move on and keep looking for those who are waiting for a touch from God.
This clear-headed, pure-hearted approach to life and ministry can keep us wise, nimble, and resilient, able to go the distance.
How might this apply to you?
