“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.”
Luke 10:3-7
Jesus gives specific instructions to those He sends to share His story. This guidance may sound a bit unusual to us but it was common for traveling teachers of that time to go from village to village, relying on the hospitality of the people there for their livelihood. Jesus is teaching those He sends that God will provide for their needs when they go in obedience.
Jesus is setting the stage for what will come later, when His followers are responsible for spreading the Gospel themselves, without His physical presence. God has called us all to be ministers of His word, sharing the joy of our connection to Him and His love with everyone. Like those in this passage, we must rely on Him to provide for us.
When He led the children of Israel into the desert, He was teaching them reliance on His goodness and perseverance. Like them, we are to go out in faith, confident that God fulfills His promise, and that our work in His name will be beneficial for the world. Hear God’s call for you, and go where He sends you!
Loving Lord, we are Your people, fed by Your hand and protected by Your Spirit. Use us to share Your love around the world, servants of Your kingdom and bearers of Your truth. Amen.