At the end of the last chapter Jesus told the disciples to pray the Lord of the harvest to send laborers. As chapter 10 begins, Jesus calls out the disciples and sends them into the work of ministry. I believe that we are certainly to pray for the Lord of the harvest to send laborers, and I am certain that we are given gifts for ministry today!
As Jesus sends out the 12 he gives them specific instructions for their journey, "These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, proclaim the good news, 'The kingdom of heaven has come near.' Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment. Take no gold, or silver, or copper in your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for laborers deserve their food. Whatever town or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy, and stay there until you leave. As you enter the house, greet it. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town." Matthew 10:5-14 NRSV.
Jesus also cautions the disciples about the dangerous nature of their mission. Persecution and hard days were certain to follow them as they went proclaiming the gospel message. We should be ready for similar treatment if we carry with boldness this Kingdom message. Perhaps we face so little persecution because we have conformed to the world around us, and we are very little threat.
How will you carry the message today of the Kingdom that has come near? Pray the Lord of the harvest that laborers will be sent into the harvest field, then go -- tell the good news!
About Me
- Pastor Bill
- I am a committed follower of Jesus Christ, a happy husband, father and grandfather!
2 comments:
That's so great - continue to pray, but don't let it stop your ministry - the ministry is here and now! I guess that leaves no room for excuses, eh?
Jesus really does paint a difficult picture for the disciples, but they still did it. Wow. When most of us came to faith, at least at the beginning, I think we had a much nicer picture that that painted. And you're right, even now we have conformed and feel little persecution. It's nice to not face persecution, but it seems that it makes us rely a little less on our Lord. Look at how reliant they were on the Lord and others - "don't bring anything extra" wow. You know mhow much stuff we brought with us for our honeymoon? There was barely a sq. inch in my car left!
I will pray, then I will Go. (Ever hear the song "I will Go?" - it's absolutely beautiful: "There is none so lovely, there is none so fair, I can't esacape your beauty, 10,000 can't compare..." (by Passion))
Hope all is well!
Love,
Marshall
The peace/sword passage here always makes me think and reflect. What does Jesus, prince of peace, mean? Obviously, it's about making choices, very hard choices sometimes, to pursue the Kingdom of God at any cost. What are the things we *aren't* willing to give up to follow God? I guess that's what I see it saying.
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