Today’s verse: Isaiah 61: 1-3
1. “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me,
Because the Lord has anointed Me
To preach good tidings to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
2. To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord,
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
3. To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty of ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”
Scripture: Matthew 10: 1-15
In today’s passage, we read about the twelve chosen disciples and the authority, power, and work given by Jesus to them.
Life of the chosen (verse 1-4):
Jesus had many followers. Yet He chose the names mentioned in verses 2 & 3 and called them for an ultimate purpose and named them as Disciples. Jesus gave all the authority and power that He had and performed to His disciples. He did not give them anything lesser than what He had (verse 7). This is because He wanted the disciples to represent Jesus wherever they go and whatever they do. He was worried about the lost sheep among Israel (Matthew 23:37,38). His continuation of ministry through the disciples shows the everlasting love He has for every human being on the earth.
Life of following the advice (verse 5-9):
When Jesus sent out His disciples He ordered them to follow certain things and avoid a few things (verse 9-14). Following a set of rules will develop discipline and self-control in one. These instructions are like a code of conduct even today for those who minister for God. One among them is not to use the spiritual gifts for money (Matthew 23:37,38). Jesus teaches them not to expect anything in return but to have only compassion for the people while doing His ministry. Indeed that is how He ministered as well!
Life of preaching (verse 9-14):
Jesus asks them to take on a simple gospel trip to bless and share peace amongst others. Also, He gives a warning for the people who aren’t ready to accept His word and who keep ignoring it. Sodom and Gomorrah set an example of what would happen to the people who do not obey His word. Those who listen to His word will prosper (Deuteronomy 28: 1-14). Those who do not listen to His word will face what Sodom Gomorrah faced.
Remember,
When calls us to work for His Kingdom, we shouldn’t seek profit out of it.
Freely you have received, freely give. Matthew 10:8.
Heavenly Father,
Help me to keep harvesting souls as my priority. Amen!