Matthew 10:9-13 9 Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, 10 or a bag for your journey, or even two coats, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is worthy of his support. 11 And whatever city or village you enter, inquire who is worthy in it, and stay at his house until you leave that city. 12 As you enter the house, give it your greeting. 13 If the house is worthy, give it your blessing of peace. But if it is not worthy, take back your blessing of peace.
In the movie Jack Reacher, Tom Cruise's character, Jack Reacher was a former special forces military guy. He travels from place to place in a bus and receives his retirement checks at Western Union. His skills are off the chart and his love of doing what's right is beyond compare. He is a perfect example of someone who knows who he is, what he is doing, and how to do it. When you watch the movie you will be amazed at his upfront way of dealing with problems and his life rule for living and moving about.
In the above scripture Jesus is sending out His disciples to spread the gospel and they are very Jack Reacher like in their approach to their life mission and the way they move about. He sends them out without extra money for their journey. They don't even take a bag full of supplies for their journey or extra coats for colder weather, or sandals, or staff. If they need something they can get it along the way. Here are their rules for doing what they are doing. Whatever village you enter, find who is worthy in it and stay at his house until you leave the city. They are very direct in what they are to do and there is no ADD involved in their life focus. No "squirrel" distractions. Here are the verses where Jesus is giving them instructions on what to do and how to do it. 5 These twelve Jesus sent out after instructing them: “Do not go in the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter any city of the Samaritans;6 but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give.
Oh, that we would be this focused in our approach to serving Christ. To know our purpose
our plans, our approach, our limitations..... But we do know them, and they are listed below.
1.Reach - Share the gospel wherever you go and win them to Christ. 2 Timothy 4:2 in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.
2.Teach - Teach those new converts to begin serving their Lord. Matthew 28:20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
3. Equip - Help them find their purpose and place in the Lord's service. Ephesians 4:12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;
4. Challenge - Help each other keep on keeping on as we have a tendency to forget what we are to do and who we are doing it for. Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another.
What is the life lesson here? God calls and God provides, but we must be about his business and His business is preaching the gospel as a gospel preacher. We are all called to do it and it is time for us to answer the call and get in on the good life of sharing the gospel. If you commit to this call you will appear to be an unusually committed person and your life will take on a whole new purpose. Are you ready to answer the call?
The Pilgrimage continues.....
David Warren
No comments:
Post a Comment