WORKING FOR GOD’S KINGDOM

Here in the first part of Matthew 10, Jesus sends out 12 disciples into the world. They are apostles who were chosen, anointed and equipped by Jesus to proclaim the gospel. They were ordinary men – not of high status, but with various backgrounds and life experiences, who had been with Jesus Christ during his time on earth. The word “apostle” means “one who is sent out”; another word for it would be “ambassador”. Jesus had specific instructions for them not only to proclaim the gospel, but to continue to do the work he had been doing, which included healing, raising the dead, cleansing those with leprosy, and casting out demons from those who were possessed. As Jesus had blessed the apostles freely with such power, they too were to freely go amongst the people and tell of the good news. Just as Jesus had called the apostles and equipped them, take some time to reflect on the gifts that God has equipped you with and ponder how you can use them well within your sphere of influence for the extension of his kingdom.

Jesus’ instructions to his apostles were that they were to begin by speaking to the lost sheep of Israel. His intention was for the gospel to reach the whole world, and it would start with Israel. The apostles were to travel light, and trust in God to meet their needs along the way. As they worked among the people in a practical and spiritual way, those who received the apostles could expect to be blessed. However those who reject them and what they preach would face serious consequences. God will reject those who reject Christ. And his wrath on them will be worse than that on Sodom and Gomorrah. Knowing that it is the Lord’s commandment to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19), pray for opportunities and courage to tell others about Christ.

Jesus warned his apostles of impending danger, as they were sent out without physical protection, and people would persecute them for their faith. In such vulnerable positions, they would not be able to defend themselves with worldly power, but the Lord equipped them with spiritual wisdom. Their persecutors will be much higher than them in status and power, but because the apostles were being persecuted for Jesus’ sake, they can be a testimony to people around them of the Lord’s goodness. Jesus gives them the assurance that the Holy Spirit will speak through them, even in moments when they are unprepared. As we are sent into the world as ambassadors for Christ, it is certain that we will be challenged for our faith through trials and tribulations. We can be assured in faith and trust that the Lord will be with us in such situations. These situations are chosen by him to dig deep into our lives and to implant spiritual reserves. These spiritual reserves will help to produce character and spiritual maturity in our lives. Listen and pray about what the Lord is teaching you in the challenges you are facing, and ask him to give you wisdom on how to deepen your spiritual reserve so that you can continue to draw from it in times of need.