I. Jesus Commissions the Twelve
- In Matthew 10:1-18, Jesus gave His twelve disciples the power to cast out demons and the power to heal the sick. Jesus, then, instructed them not to go to the Gentiles and Samaritans but to go find the "lost sheep of the house of Israel" and preach that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. The reason is that the gospel must be shared to the Jews first, then when refused, to the Gentiles. Jesus also instructed them not to take any money (gold, silver, or copper) for payment but be a testimony of the power of God. In verses 16-18, Jesus warned them that they would be persecuted and there would be many out there, like wolves, that would try to accuse them of wrongdoings and probably get them arrested but always trust in the Lord and He will protect them. He told them that they would suffer because of His name and be strong for God is with them.
- Have you been ignoring your calling from God? Some might have experienced a calling to serve the Lord but has been fighting it for years. When Jesus told the disciples to go and be the messenger of the "good news", they did not hesitate. Without food, money, and a place to sleep, they trusted God to provide for them and He did provide. They were told to go to city after city looking for a worthy person that would share their blessings from God with the disciples. And every city that they go to, there was at least one house that helped them. Just like the twelve disciples, we need to step up and respond to God. We need to trust Him to lead us to the way of salvation. It doesn't have to be an evangelical mission to go to the outskirts of the world, but any means of service, through being ushers, playing with the worship band, arranging the chairs after service, or even picking up thrash outside the church. We can all do our part. We can start by sharing a verse to families and friends or giving our own testimonies. We don't know how a small act can lead to the salvation of another and also to a wonderful relationship with God. God has given us different gifts (Romans 12:6-8) and we need to use them to serve and glorify His name.
II. More Than Conquerors Through Christ
- Romans 8:28-39 is a powerful reading that shows the everlasting love and promise that God has given us. As I said before, it is very very hard to be a Christian. One mistake and you start doubting your faith. One mistake, and other non-believers start criticizing you. "If you are a Christian then why are you doing this, and doing that, and how come you're not as rich as that other guy who is not a believer?" It is not if we get persecuted but when we will get persecuted because it happens all the time. For some reason, Christians become laughingstocks of movies, our friends and even our own families just because we live a different life, a life that follows Jesus and His way and not of the world. But God said, don't grow weary for it is stated in verse 28 that "all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose". ALL THINGS work together for good, not just one or some but All things. This is a bold statement but if you trust in the Lord Almighty, He will do good things in your life in His own timing. God sent Jesus to the world and did not spare His life but offered Him as a sacrifice for us, sinners. If a father can offer his only begotten son, what else can he not do for us.
"16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16)
Nobody and nothing can separate us from his everlasting love, not even trials, persecution, and hardships. God's love is so powerful and we just need to trust in Him and He will bless us so we can praise Him and glorify His name for He is worthy!
III. Proverbs for Today/4:20-27
20 My son, give attention to my words;
Incline your ear to my sayings.
21 Do not let them depart from your eyes;
Keep them in the midst of your heart;
22 For they are life to those who find them,
And health to all their flesh.
23 Keep your heart with all diligence,
For out of it spring the issues of life.
24 Put away from you a deceitful mouth,
And put perverse lips far from you.
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead,
And your eyelids look right before you.
26 Ponder the path of your feet,
And let all your ways be established.
27 Do not turn to the right or the left;
Remove your foot from evil.
IV. Additional Old Testament Reading:
