PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 10:9-15
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Let your peace rest on it… let your peace return to you.” (Matthew 10:13)
Jesus asks the disciples to trust God to provide for their needs.
They were to freely bless people, and welcome hospitality that was offered them.
They could trust that “some worthy person” (v.11) would welcome and host them.
They were not to be pushy or judgmental – they were agents of peace.
If someone rejected them and refused to offer hospitality, simply move on.
They were not to take anything from those who didn’t welcome them… not even dust (v.16).
Jesus is not suggesting that they curse those who reject them; this is not the Jesus Way.
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” (Romans 12:14)
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18)
How do you respond to those who reject your faith, or don’t appreciate your kindness?
The temptation to pressure them or be critical is strong, but we must resist it.
We are always agents of peace, no matter how people respond, even if they reject us.
It is this gracious offer of peace, even to our enemies, that opens hearts to God!
My job is to offer peace; it is God’s job to deal with those who hear and receive it or not.
PRAYER
Lord, let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me. Help me not to let other people’s lack of peace keep me from still being an agent of peace.
I’m reminded today that its not my job to make people show up. Its not my job to sell them on coming to church events or services. Its not my job to inspire change in their hearts with eloquent articulation.
My job is to invite. My job is to prepare a welcome in advance for those who are looking for belonging. My job is to plant and cultivate seeds of faith with patience and understanding. And if their hearts are not open to Christ right now, then it is my job to move on to find the person who has been waiting for someone to introduce Christ and meaning into their lives.
I ask myself, am I welcoming? Do people freely come and chat with me? Am I approachable – inviting to others. The harvest worker must be received – must be welcomed in order to gather the harvest. Or do I think that I carry a message no one is interested in hearing or that I will be ridiculed because of the gospel message I bring. That of course happens – but I must then move on as Jesus instructs – find receptive people – and bless them with peace.
Lord help me to be welcoming!
Freely give.
What the disciples had received from the Lord they were to pass on.
Serve.
Take only the essentials and nothing to drag you down. All for Jesus. He will provide. Depend upon Him.
Do not worry as you work for Him for His people will provide for your needs. The people of God need to support those who work for the Lord so that they can focus on their ministry without worrying about their material needs. Continue to bring the Good News. Speak it daily. And it is the people’s responsibility to respond to that Word of life.
Lord, speak to me, that I may speak
In living echoes of Thy tone;
As Thou hast sought, so let me seek
Thy erring children lost and lone.
2
O lead me, Lord, that I may lead
The wandering and the wavering feet;
O feed me, Lord, that I may feed
Thy hungering ones with manna sweet.
3
O strengthen me, that while I stand
Firm on the rock, and strong in Thee,
I may stretch out a loving hand
To wrestlers with the troubled sea.
4
O teach me, Lord, that I may teach
The precious things Thou dost impart;
And wing my words, that they may reach
The hidden depths of many a heart.
5
O give Thine own sweet rest to me,
That I may speak with soothing power
A word in season, as from Thee
To weary ones in needful hour.
6
O fill me with Thy fulness, Lord,
Until my very heart o’erflow
In kindling thought and glowing word,
Thy love to tell, Thy praise to show.
7
O use me, Lord, use even me,
Just as Thou wilt, and when, and where,
Until Thy blessed face I see,
Thy rest, Thy joy, Thy glory share!
Lord Jesus, fill me with Your peace so that I can bless others with it.