Today’s Scripture:
Luke 10:1-9 – “After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road. When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you. Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house. When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’”
Embracing the Mission
Jesus’ mission on earth was not only to teach and heal but also to prepare others to continue His work. In Luke 10:1-9, we see Him sending out seventy-two disciples, empowering them to spread the message of the Kingdom of God. This passage highlights key aspects of training and readiness that are vital for kingdom building.
Key Steps to Kingdom Building
- Recognize the Harvest: Jesus emphasizes that the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. This analogy signifies the vast number of people ready to receive the gospel, waiting for someone to guide them. As modern-day disciples, we must be aware of the opportunities around us and be prepared to seize them.
- Pray for Workers: Before sending out the seventy-two, Jesus instructs them to ask the Lord to send more workers into the field. Prayer is foundational. It aligns our hearts with God’s will and opens doors for more laborers to join the mission.
- Depend on God’s Provision: Jesus advises His disciples to travel light, relying on the hospitality of others. This teaches us to depend not on our own resources but on God’s provision. Trusting in His supply frees us from the burden of material concerns and allows us to focus on the mission.
- Spread Peace and Healing: The disciples were instructed to offer peace to each house they entered and to heal the sick. Bringing peace and healing is central to kingdom work. It’s about meeting people’s physical and spiritual needs, showing the love and power of God in tangible ways.
- Proclaim the Kingdom: Their ultimate task was to announce that the Kingdom of God had come near. In our context, this means sharing the gospel and demonstrating through our lives that God’s reign is present and transformative.
Modern Application
In today’s world, kingdom building requires similar dedication and readiness. Here are practical steps to embody these principles:
- Engage with Your Community: Just as the disciples entered towns and homes, we can engage with our communities through acts of service, building relationships, and sharing the love of Christ.
- Live Simply and Generously: Embrace a lifestyle that prioritizes spiritual richness over material wealth. Generosity and simplicity allow us to be more available for God’s work.
- Prioritize Prayer: Make prayer a central part of your life. Pray for guidance, for the needs of others, and for more people to join in the mission.
- Be a Peacemaker: Actively seek to bring peace and healing into every interaction. Whether it’s through encouraging words, acts of kindness, or offering support in times of need, be a conduit of God’s peace.
Conclusion and Prayer
Jesus’ model of training His disciples is a powerful blueprint for us today. By following His instructions, we can effectively contribute to building His kingdom.
Dear Lord, thank You for the example of Jesus and His dedication to training others for Your mission. Help us to recognize the harvest around us, to depend on Your provision, and to spread peace and healing in our communities. May we always proclaim Your kingdom through our actions and words. Amen.
