Readings for today: Luke 10, John 10, 11:1-54
There is nothing better than serving God. Nothing better than being out there on the frontiers of God’s Kingdom preaching the good news of the gospel and showing people the tangible signs of His amazing grace and love. There’s nothing better than bringing clean water to the thirsty. Food to the hungry. Education to those who don’t have access. Micro-loans to those who are desperately poor. Healing to the sick and diseased. Visiting those in prison. All in the name of Jesus. Most of all, there is nothing like watching someone hear the gospel for the first time in their own language. Nothing like watching someone respond to the gospel by giving their life to Jesus Christ. Whether it is in my local context of Parker, CO or on the other side of the world in places like Ethiopia, Uganda, or South Sudan; it literally never gets old.
I’ve been in full-time ministry for over twenty years now. I’ve shared the gospel with hundreds if not thousands of people during that time. I’ve worked to raise money and resources for some of the world’s poorest and most desperate people. I’ve seen miracles of healing and even resurrection. I’ve been blessed beyond all measure and know the truth of the words of Jesus when He says, “Fortunate the eyes that see what you’re seeing! There are plenty of prophets and kings who would have given their right arm to see what you are seeing but never got so much as a glimpse, to hear what you are hearing but never got so much as a whisper.”(Luke 10:23-24 MSG)
One thing I know to be true…in order to see the miracles of God, you have to leave your comfort zone. You have to intentionally place yourself in situations where you are not in control. You have to be willing to let the Spirit take you to the end of your resources, wisdom, and strength so that you are forced to rely on God. This is what the disciples did in our passage today. Jesus sends them out into the harvest field. They are to travel light. They are to rely on the kindness of strangers. They are to bless those who provide them hospitality. They are to look for the ways God is at work in those places and among those people. And what happens as a result? They see the Kingdom come in power and authority! Demons are cast out! Diseases are healed! Lost and hurting people are restored! It’s amazing and they rejoice.
Friends, God wants us to experience the same kind of joy in our lives. He wants us to live with the same kind of power and authority as those early Christians. He wants to do greater things through us than what He did through His Son Jesus. But we have to be willing to step out in faith. We have to be willing to go. We have to be willing to risk. The harvest fields are as ripe as ever. Will we not only pray for God to send out more workers but will we respond ourselves to His call?
Readings for tomorrow: Luke 12, 13:1-30