Verse 3 "I'm sending you out among wolves." Many Christians look at their trials and wonder how a loving God could let things bad happen to them. Jesus is always sending us among wolves - teaching us dependence on him. We can't assume because we're in a touch situation - we must be somewhere God doesn't want us. Rather this paragraph indicates - if we're not facing any wolves - are we walking were the Lord sent us?
Why would the Lord send them to towns were they would be rejected? He's Jesus - doesn't he know before they go to those towns they people won't listen. Why not just avoid them? At least 2 reasons. One - the disciples must learn to fear the Lord more than man. Two in the final judgement no one will be able to say - "I didn't" know. Notice that those who heard and rejected will receive a worse punishment in hell - verse 14-15. I'm not sure if there are hotter places in hell or what? To whom much has been given - much is expected. What you are doing with your knowledge of Jesus?
questions
1) what mission of communicating God's love does the Lord have you on right now?
2) what wolves are you encountering? How does this passage help you face them?
3) what assignment from God have you avoided because you knew "they won't listen"?
do you see - now that you're suppose to speak anyway!
prayer
Lord - we want boldness. We know these disciples had it because they spent so much time with you. Fill us with your courage - give us your lions heart - lion from the the tribe of Judah. We want to face the wolves head on. Teach us to be your lambs (v. 3) gentle and loyal to you good shepherd. Lord we pray for repentance for those who need you. Those around us at work today. Those in our family. They may reject us but give us courage to share you love.
1 comment:
whoa, exactly what i needed to hear this morning! i forgot to read this yesturday, but i think god intended for me to hear it today. i have been fearing rejection, and this encouraged me to have more boldness and fear god, rather than man. thanks for doing such a wonderful job!
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