[Jesus continued his instructions to the seventy-two disciples he was sending as missionaries:] "Now go, and remember that I am sending you out as lambs among wolves. Don't take any money with you, nor a traveler's bag, nor an extra pair of sandals. And don't stop to greet anyone on the road.
"Whenever you enter someone's home, first say, 'May God's peace be on this house.' If those who live there are peaceful, the blessing will stand; if they are not, the blessing will return to you. Don't move around from home to home. Stay in one place, eating and drinking what they provide. Don't hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve their pay."
—Luke 10:3-7 NLT
These specific commands about going out to reach the people of Israel are interesting, but they are more than just a novelty from a time and place and purpose that were long ago and far away. These commands are a great reminder that our outreach efforts begin with a dependence on God to do what he has promised. [1] We must trust him and not our own cunning and ingenuity. Nevertheless, we should still seek the help of other people. They may be God's way of fulfilling his promise. Things won't get done without the grace of God and the partnership of people who feel a call to his word and his work.
[1] John 14:26; Romans 8:26-27; Matthew 28:18-20.
Father, I know you are trying to help me realize that I can't live this Christian life alone. I need your power and good health to be what you want me to be. I also need the help of your people to fulfill your plans in me. Please give me the patience to trust in your timing. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2023 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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"Whenever you enter someone's home, first say, 'May God's peace be on this house.' If those who live there are peaceful, the blessing will stand; if they are not, the blessing will return to you. Don't move around from home to home. Stay in one place, eating and drinking what they provide. Don't hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve their pay."
—Luke 10:3-7 NLT
Key Thought
These specific commands about going out to reach the people of Israel are interesting, but they are more than just a novelty from a time and place and purpose that were long ago and far away. These commands are a great reminder that our outreach efforts begin with a dependence on God to do what he has promised. [1] We must trust him and not our own cunning and ingenuity. Nevertheless, we should still seek the help of other people. They may be God's way of fulfilling his promise. Things won't get done without the grace of God and the partnership of people who feel a call to his word and his work.
[1] John 14:26; Romans 8:26-27; Matthew 28:18-20.
Today's Prayer
Father, I know you are trying to help me realize that I can't live this Christian life alone. I need your power and good health to be what you want me to be. I also need the help of your people to fulfill your plans in me. Please give me the patience to trust in your timing. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2023 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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