Going forth in faith

Going forth in faith

Scripture:

“Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts— no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep. Whatever town or village you enter, search there for some worthy person and stay at their house until you leave. As you enter the home, give it your greeting. If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. Sodom than for that town. Matthew 10:9-15

Observation:

The Lord continues to give instructions to His disciples for their missionary excursion. They are told to take nothing with them, no money, not even an extra shirt or sandals or staff. Imagine the level of faith required of the disciples. Would such an approach to missions be applicable in this day and age? In fact, some mission schools have actually included this practical experience as part of their curriculum and the students have come back with quite extraordinary stories of how the Lord opened doors for them and provided for them. In China, some new Christians came to a seasoned Christian leader and said they wanted to go out to be evangelists. He was amazed and pointed out that they had no resources, no back-up, no training, but they replied simply “but we have feet”. This method of evangelism is applicable today as it was 2000 years ago if we only have the faith. God has promised in His Word that He will never leave us nor forsake us, and that He will never let us be put to shame.

As the reason for not taking anything on their missionary journey, the Lord said “the worker is worth his keep” indicating that those ministered to should provide for the minister. This principle also applies to every church who must provide amply for the pastors who serve them and their children, for the worker is worth his keep.

In every town or village they entered, the disciples were to search for some worthy person and stay there. Now on being sent out, the disciples could have been worried that no one would receive them. However, the Lord confidently assured them that there would be people who would welcome them and let them stay in their houses. The lesson here is that the Lord has people everywhere, in every city, and if we set out to do the Lord’s work, He will lead us to like-minded people. When I first ventured forth the idea of having a Christian fellowship in my previous company, I wondered if I would get any support. To my surprise, my call spread, and a fair number turned up for the first meeting. I think the lesson is the same in the workplace. There are like-minded brothers and sisters nearby, whether in our workplace or a neighboring workplace.

Unfortunately for those who will not welcome the servants of God, there is judgment for them. This is a lesson for us to have a hospitable spirit, and do what we can to facilitate and help servants of God who may come by and need our help.

Application:

Just as God provided for the disciples who went forth without anything, He is able to provide for us today when we go forth to do His service. If He calls us, just go forth in faith, and He will provide the assistance. In regard to ministers and pastors or even special ministries that serve us, we are to help provide for them as the workers are worth their keep. When we are called by God to set out on a particular project or ministry, let us go forth in faith, trusting God to provide His people to help us along the way. The Lord has people in the least likely places. Develop a hospitable spirit, especially for the servants of God, seeking to provide for them where they are in need.

Prayer:

We praise You, Father in Heaven, for You are our great Provider. You give us all we need and You have promised that You will never let us be put to shame. Increase our faith we pray O Lord, even as we seek to follow You and serve You in new and diverse areas. Give us the faith and the strength we need even as we set out to do Your will. We thank You for the people You have prepared to help us along our journey. Bless them and strengthen we pray O Lord, and let our meetings be timely according to Your will. Create in us a hospitable and generous heart O Lord, especially to Your servants. May Your name be praised O Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.