Focus On The Mission

  ^{Matthew 10: 7-13}

^{Practical Instructions}

⁷ As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ ⁸ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy,drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. ⁹ “Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts— ¹⁰ no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep. ¹¹ Whatever town or village you enter, search there for some worthy person and stay at their house until you leave. ¹² As you enter the home, give it your greeting. ¹³ If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you.

These instructions worked well in the early days of preaching the Good News, and in essence still apply today.   Our example should back up our words.  The message is simple:  "The kingdom of God is near." We are to share it freely with all, and show by our lives that it works. We seem to have lost the gift of healing that certainly drew attention to the Message.  Perhaps we might pray daily that our lives manifest the message and let that be a visible sign of the effectiveness of God's Word. "Dear God, direct our thoughts words and actions that we may be effective bearers of our message to others, especially to those who hunger to hear it."

Bro. Rene