In Luke 23.35, Jesus asks his disciples a question. “When I sent you out to preach the Good News and you did not have money, a traveler’s bag or extra clothing, did you lack anything?”
In this particular passage of Scripture, Jesus is about to hand over His earthly ministry to those He has trained and equipped. As Jesus sends the disciples out on the mission of their lives, He reminds them that it isn’t the first time. In Luke 9, Jesus sent them out to preach the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. A dress rehearsal, you might say ... although it would be anything but a "dry run". While He gave them power and authority, he did not give them much in the way of material possessions. (And apparently, they didn’t NEED much!) Jesus told Peter, James, John and the others not to “take a bag, or food or money … not even an extra coat.” The result: they came back rejoicing over what God had done through them! So, what does this have to do with us? Plenty.
In Luke 23.37, Jesus says, “But now, take your money, and your traveler’s bag. And if you don’t have a sword, sell your clothes and buy one!” Although these words were spoken to eleven men over 2000 years ago, they are also meant for us Christians in the 21st century! I am encouraged to know that Jesus is not sending us out into the world empty-handed. Just like the early disciples, Jesus gives us authority to preach His Kingdom. Furthermore, He gives us His very Spirit to live inside each of us who answer His call! His mission will be accomplished, and we will lack nothing!
As Russ & I look to a future that may not include wearing a uniform, this is tremendously encouraging. If the early disciples – who basically had nothing materially speaking – can make Jesus known to the world around them, so can we. We, who have the Spirit of God living in us, we who have relationships with people outside our hometowns, we who have money, clothing, extra clothing, clothing we no longer fit in, clothing we don’t particularly like anymore, and … don’t even get me started on how much food we have! We who have the Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God) in our hearts, in multiple Bibles, on our radios, on our laptops and cell phones ... we can preach the Good News and bring healing to millions! All we have to do is go…
No comments:
Post a Comment