October 20, 2024 Recap

Our scripture yesterday was from Matthew 8:19-22, Luke 9:51-10:24. Jesus was leaving northern Israel and the small fishing villages that He had been living in and set His face towards Jerusalem. His crucifiction is close and He would travel through Samaria to Jerusalem to make His way to the Cross. Jesus appointed 70 to go before Him into the cities. He directed them to take nothing with them and warned them of those who would try to devour them. Jesus sent them out as lambs among wolves. There are a great number of people who are hungry for the gospel and there are those who want to stop it from spreading. We are The 70 and our commission is to make disciples. The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.

He teaches us in Luke 10:1-16 that there are two responses to The Gospel. The Kingdom of God is near to both and we are to go to everyone. However, some will receive it and others will reject it. There's no gray area. Even a "not now" is a rejection.

Jesus in Luke 10:5 told the 70 to go into homes and speak peace to the house. NO matter what house you enter, we are to share peace with everyone. And some will receive the offer; yet, others will send it back to you, not willing to accept it. Those that receive the Gospel will be given Life, Hope, and Peace in the Name of Jesus. Even if we are not able to go into all the cities or nations sharing the message of Jesus, as these did, we can help them through prayer and support. When you see someone working for The Kingdom, encourage them, pray for them, support them.

Receive v. 5-9

Kingdom of God is near v.9

Peace is upon them and added to them

Generous to those who are sharing the gospel

Received healing (life)

On the other hand, some will reject it. Even though the Kingdom is near and you offer peace to them through Jesus, their hearts and minds are not open to the message. Jesus says in v.11, they should wipe the dust off their feet and move to the next town. Some see this as harsh, I see it as the Father's grace. The Word has been shared and the Spirit is able to minister through that Seed. Let the Word do its work and move on to the next person who needs to hear about Jesus. Dusting your feet off is not condemnation, as James and John wanted to do in Luke 9:54 when they asked to call fire from heaven and burn the whole thing down, it's about moving forward. We know the Word is alive and active and will not return void. Faith says, I trust You and Your power to save! Rejection comes in many shapes and sizes. In Luke 9:57-62 we see two examples of why people choose not to follow Jesus, the comforts of the world and the relationships in the world. Letting go of the sin that entangles us is hard when we don't understand the Life that we are given. No matter what the reason, there are consequences to this rejection.

Reject v. 10-15

Kingdom of God is near v. 11

Reject Jesus and His peace

No repentance

Brought down to death

We have been given authority to do miracles and speak boldly in Jesus Name. But, our joy and blessings do not come from those outward signs. It comes from knowing that we have eternal life through Jesus. The greatest miracle He does is when He gives life for death. He breathes into us His Spirit and changes us into a new creature. And our names are written in heaven!

Rejoice in that my friends! Sonya