1/15: God’s Job for You
In Matthew chapter 10, Jesus sent His disciples out to do a job. They were to go to a specific audience: “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (vss.5 – 6), with a specific message: “And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand” (vs.7). They would have specific results: “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons” (vs. 8a), and they would be provided for in a specific way: “Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts, nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food” (vss. 9-10). In verses 11-15, Jesus even gave them specific instructions as to how to handle themselves whether they were welcomed or not.
Jesus ended His instructions to His disciples with specific precautions: First, “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves” (vs. 16), and second, “But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles” (vss. 17-18). Finally, Jesus gave them specific peace: “But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you” (vss. 19-20).
Since “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NKJ), He is still sending us out as His disciples today. Jesus even prayed to the Father about us when He said, “As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world” John 17:18 (NKJ).
Sit down some time today at your computer or with a pen and paper. Down one side of the page, number from one to seven, then write this list:
- specific audience
- specific message
- specific results
- specific provision
- specific instructions
- specific precaution
- specific peace
As you pray, beside each item, write down what God tells you about the specific job He has for you to do. Be steadfast about filling in every line, even if it takes searching the Scriptures and asking advice from your pastor or a mature Christian friend. Then immediately get busy being about your Father’s business.
What a joy it is to live and operate in the center of God’s will.
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©2010 Sharon Norris Elliott. Feel free to forward this devotion in its entirety, including the copyright line. For all devotions, comments, and questions, log onto Sharon’s blog at www.sanewriter.wordpress.com.
This note is filled with superb information on what Jesus expects of Christians. Discipleship requires complete trust in the Lord and a total yielding to the Holy Spirit who will help Christians remain pure and holy by convicting them of their sin and drawing them back to a right relatioship with God through confession and repentance when we–Christians–sin (do anything contrary to God’s will).
Sharon- I found today’s msg especially relevant as today I am “FREE-tiring” from the bank!!! I have been praying for wisdom on the next steps and God has revealed and provided clarity. This additional input is so relevant!!! Thank you! I passed this blog along to 12 friends!
Thanks!!!
Ivy H Bennett Sent from my iPhone
What a privilege it is to carry, everything to God in prayer. May you continue to be blessed Sharon on your ability to correspond proficiently.