July 31, 2024 Called
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
Read: Matthew 10:1-8 Called
1-4 … Jesus called twelve of his followers and sent them into the ripe fields. He gave them power to kick out the evil spirits and to tenderly care for the bruised and hurt lives. This is the list of the twelve he sent: Simon (they called him Peter, or “Rock”), Andrew, his brother; James, Zebedee’s son; John, his brother; Philip; Bartholomew; Thomas; Matthew, the tax man; James, son of Alphaeus; Thaddaeus; Simon, the Canaanite; Judas Iscariot (who later turned on him).
5-8 Jesus sent his twelve harvest hands out with this charge: “Don’t begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers. And don’t try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons.You have been treated generously, so live generously.
9-10 “Don’t think you have to put on a fund-raising campaign before you start. You don’t need a lot of equipment. You are the equipment, and all you need to keep that going is three meals a day. Travel light.
… don’t worry about what you’ll say or how you’ll say it. The right words will be there;
the Spirit of your Father will supply the words.
Matthew 10:1-10, 20 The Message
When we decide to follow Jesus as our Lord and Commander-in-Chief, we have joined his ”Seal Team,” his elite who he sends in mission. So look back at the end of verse 4 in today’s passage and add your full name to the list of those called. Then, join the twelve in Jesus’ ops briefing about your assignment and expectations. Note the following:
Where you’re going: Not to some far-off place but to the lost, confused people right here in [your] neighborhood.
The message to deliver: Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons.
The weapon at your disposal: Holy Spirit power to kick out the evil spirits and to tenderly care for the bruised and hurt lives.
What else you need to take: Nothing. Travel light. And from verse 20, don’t worry about what you’ll say or how you’ll say it. The right words will be there; the Spirit of your Father will supply the words.
Expectations for a successful mission: Just go. Some will welcome you; others will not, but [that’s] no concern of yours now (vs. 12-15).
And last instructions: Don’t be intimidated. …don’t hesitate to go public now. Don’t be bluffed into silence by the threats of bullies. There’s nothing they can do to your soul, your core being. Save your fear for God, who holds your entire life—body and soul—in his hands.
Reflect: How does Jesus’ “ops briefing” encourage you or give you pause before moving forward? What questions do you have for him or concerns that you want to talk through with him to increase your confidence and boldness to go?
Pray: Heavenly Father, I come before You today with a heart ready to serve and follow Your call. As I join Your mission, I humbly place myself under Your guidance and authority. Let me remember that my mission is to go, to speak, and to act with love and conviction, leaving the outcomes in Your hands. I trust You fully as I step out in faith. In the name of Your Son, who shows me the Way, Amen.
By His Grace,
Gloria