Called to Follow预览

 Jesus Sends Out His Disciples 

  

Regarding the request that God would send more laborers to collect His harvest, it seems that the disciples became the answers to their own prayers. Eugene Peterson makes this connection with the previous passage more explicit when he translates, “The prayer was no sooner prayed than it was answered. Jesus called twelve of his followers and sent them into the ripe fields” (Matt. 10:1, The Message). In God’s kingdom, there is often a relationship between the things we pray for and the things God eventually calls us to do. As your intercessory prayers become more global, more missions-minded, it is very possible that the Lord will give you a far-reaching assignment one day.  

However, every kind of ministry starts small, and faithfulness is the key to long-term fruitfulness. As it says in The Message: “Don’t begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers. And don’t try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously” (vv. 5-8). 

Basically, missions and ministry are about imitating Jesus. We really have nothing to give of eternal value, but by allowing God’s life in us to overflow to others, we can truly make a difference in other people’s lives. And it all starts by cultivating a relationship with Jesus. That is why, in the parallel text in Mark’s Gospel, it says that Jesus appointed twelve apostles so “that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach” (Mark 3:14, NIV). Stay close to Jesus – and he will show you what to do next. 

Praise the Lord for …

· His willingness to call ordinary people like you and me

· His desire to have a relationship with us

Pray that …

· You would grow in your relationship with Jesus

· God would prepare you to become a source of blessing for people around you, both in your neighborhood and on a global scale