PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 10:1-8
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’” (Matthew 10:7)
We do not use the word ‘kingdom’ in our normal, everyday language.
For Jews the ‘kingdom of heaven’ was this world as it was meant to be.
With God on the throne, and His people reigning with Him (see Genesis 1-2).
The curse of sin and death has robbed us of this, and made our lives miserable.
For the Jews, the coming of ‘messiah’ meant the end of the curse (Genesis 3:15).
The curse reversed, God’s family reunited, restored and recommissioned.
In these verses God’s family is restored symbolically in the 12 disciples.
Those living under the curse are healed, brought to life, cleansed, rescued.
And God’s family is commissioned to ‘go forth’ on God’s behalf, as His agents.
In Jesus we see God’s world being made good, right, whole, happy, blessed.
Our job as Jesus followers is to continue to spread this good news.
Not just talking about it, but showing it in how we live, love, share and care.
How am I enjoying this free gift of restored life, and how am I sharing it with others?
“Freely you have received, freely give!” (Matthew 10:8)
PRAYER
Lord, I need to show people how awesome it is to be forgiven, loved and restored by You. The curse has been beaten in my life, I want to help lift the curse in other peoples’ lives too.
Verses 5-8 seem strange to me. It always struck me as strange that Jesus instructed his disciples to not heal and share the good news with the gentiles. While almost exclusionary at face value, today when I read it I wondered if it was because of all the work there is yet to be done in the church and in the hearts of Christ followers like me. In this world where philanthropy is often done for tax advantages, I pray we learn to “give without pay”.
I recall many times walking or motorcycling into rural villages especially some during and after a major flood. People looked at me and the team with expectation that we would help – most were very receptive and welcomed us especially when they realized that we could communicate in their language. We expressed our concern for them and a desire to help them and they were grateful and warm to us. I’m thinking that in many villages where the disciples went – they had been taught that the Messiah would come and they were hoping and they heard about the Rabbi Jesus. When the disciples came and visited sharing the good news in power with healing and driving out demons – they experienced the grace of God – they experienced a gift of love. Grace/love is the greatest gift we bring – and nothing is more loving and gracious then the Good news – freedom from the misery that sin causes. We are ambassadors of love and grace – the good news – we are sent out by Jesus and empowered by the HS.
Lord Jesus, I thank you for Your Kingdom and how it releases, restores and reunites us with You. Help me share this news with those around me.
Thank you Lord God almighty our Father that the kingdom of heaven is near me and with me. Help me O Holy Spirit to live as faithful subject and citizen of this Kingdom. May the rule of the King of kings be manifested daily in my action, talk, and thought. I freely received this privilege, help me to freely give. Through Jesus Christ my Lord and Deliverer.
We pray ‘ May Your Kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.’ Jesus preached that kingdom with signs and wonders through miracles and parables. Jesus charged His disciples to carry out the work He did- to bring His healing power. Ordinary people doing God’s assignment – serving Him with their talents. He can use people like you and me for His kingdom service. He empowers us to work for His glory, bringing in the kingdom by living for Jesus showing His love.
Peter and John went to pray.
They met a lame man on the way
He asked for alms and held out his palms,
And this is what Peter did say
Silver and gold have I none,
But such as I have give I thee,
In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.
He went walking and leaping and praising God,
Walking and leaping and praising God,
In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.