Sent out...
When I go out on an errand with for myself or another, I expect good results to happen...no trip ups, no harassment, no problems, or "no worries" ....so when rereading Matthew 10, these disciples were warned of all kinds of potential troubles in being sent out..but all kinds of blessings as well...
I like the part of "freely you have received; freely give"...here are men from all walks of life going about their business and then are called into another path, not looking back, but going forward doing something totally different. Handing out grace, healing, proclaiming the Kingdom...with good and bad expectations ...warnings of persecution and blessings...always being on guard....not knowing when they would be received peaceably or not...
What an errand! And this was just the trial run for the rest of their lives...
In college, many degrees have internships somewhere in the process...trying out what we think we would like to do for out future....student teaching, working in the field of our choice...this may show us this is not where we are supposed to be or will be a tremendous success...
These disciples already had a career before they became followers of Christ...He knew their hearts, their devotion and he chose them..for his internship..his proclamations...his friends...they had a huge responsibility to fulfill, which they did ...
They did face all of these warnings, but they faced crowds who received their message as well..(Acts)..they believed what they were sent out to proclaim ...their errand was a success and continues to be down through the centuries...
What is my response in being sent? Am I cowering in the corner, listening to the warnings only..afraid to speak? Or do I boldly go forth...?
Thank YOU for examples of bravery, calling, giving freely...to the path You have chosen for me....I look back over places I have been, things done, and wonder how I ever made it, but for Your grace and strength, love...
These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel.
As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons.
Freely you have received; freely give.
“Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts— no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep.
Whatever town or village you enter, search there for some worthy person and stay at their house until you leave. As you enter the home, give it your greeting. If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you.
If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.
Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues.
On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it.
At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.
Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
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