Matthew 10:24

What if the worlds view of success is God’s definition of failure? What defines success in today's culture, and how does this compare to the teachings of the Bible? Dale Partridge examines what it means to be successful in the eyes of God verses cultural expectations.

Pastor Eugene Peterson once told his congregation, “The underlying conviction of the work of the pastor is that the words of Jesus are as true now as when first spoken, and that every named life in this congregation is as important as those twelve named disciples.” This brief devotional is drawn from Peterson’s sermons on the four gospels, where we get a glimpse of Jesus’s earthly life and ministry.

Many are called, few are commissioned. Jesus gives his followers a taste of going out to preach, teach, and heal. Going in faith, they experience amazing powers that Christ endowed them. Christ also appraises them of the discipline and sacrifice involved, with far greater rewards for service. While service is highly monetized these days, there are still the few serving in tune with their Master in Heaven. Perhaps little-known today but famous in Heaven.

Matthew writes to God’s people and walks them on a journey that will take them from where they are to be Disciple Makers. This is the 11th of 27 devotional plans walking us through the book of Matthew. Jesus does not leave us unprepared as we release the Good News. He shows us how to release it and how to prepare for situations when we/the gospel are rejected.