I have to confess I don’t always read instructions or follow them. Sometimes I try to put something together without reading the manufacturer’s instruction book. Thank God for YouTube “How To” videos, they have saved me many a time. Jesus gave His first disciples some rather particular instructions (of course, you and I are His disciples now). They were sent first to the lost house of Israel. They were to preach ‘the kingdom of heaven’. They were to fulfill Jesus earthly ministry with His authority. He gives us today much broader instructions- paraphrased from Matthew 28– “Go make disciples, baptize them, teach them to obey all Jesus commands”. His instructions reflect His priority.
These twelve Jesus sent out after instructing them, saying, “Do not go on a road [f]to Gentiles, and do not enter a city of Samaritans; but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with leprosy, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give. Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, or a bag for your journey, or even two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is deserving of his support. And whatever city or village you enter, inquire who is worthy in it, and stay at his house until you leave that city. As you enter the house, give it your greeting. If the house is worthy, see that your blessing of peace comes upon it. But if it is not worthy, take back your blessing of peace. And whoever does not receive you nor listen to your words, as you leave that house or city, shake the dust off your feet. Truly I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment, than for that city. Matthew 10:6-15 NASB
Am I truly living according to my Master’s instructions? Are you?
God, as this day begins- I accept that You have sent me to those around me. Corona is my mission field and the lost people of this area are whom You’ve sent me to love in Your name. Help me not get distracted by trying to acquire gold, silver, or copper for my money belt. Thank you that I can be a blessing of peace to those I encounter for Your name’s sake.
