July 22, Matthew 10
Have you ever started a new job and been overwhelmed by all you had to learn? If you’ve been through an orientation for a new position, you may remember that the people who trained you gave you an intensive compacted introduction, covering all kinds of information about the company or department you were joining.
The disciples’ call and commission as we read it in this chapter reminds me of an orientation. Jesus described their mission, defined the limits of their task and warned about dangers they would encounter along the way. Not everyone they met would be delighted to hear about Jesus and his coming kingdom. The Master painted a sober picture of what lay ahead for the disciples—there were arrests, trials, possibly even death on their itineraries. But Jesus told them to be faithful and fearless. He promised their defense statements would be provided, and that the Father was intimately aware of who and where they were.
Have you ever felt alone or abandoned in your attempts to serve the Lord? Have you ever faced hostility because of your faith and discipleship? It’s encouraging to read about the Lord’s choice of these followers to become the leaders of his people. The call to discipleship is an honor. But the call is just the beginning. Those who answer the call and accept the mission are equipped for the task and under God’s care throughout the journey.
The call, the mission, the supply and the reward are all of grace. We are selected, enabled and blessed by the Lord, so there’s no room for self-serving pride. We do not need to be anxious about our assignment, even when we face threatening opponents. And there is no doubt that the promise of reward is good. When adversity comes, our peace is based on our relationship with the Father, not some external circumstance. If members of our own family do not understand or share our faith, Jesus has
already made it clear that he, not family, must come first in our lives.
Jesus placed a tremendous responsibility on the shoulders of the twelve. They would take the good news across the world as they knew it. It was obvious (probably to the disciples themselves) that they were not up to the task. But the promise of his presence gave them courage to persevere.
Many of these words are instructive and encouraging not just to the apostles, but to all disciples in every age as well. If we take our commission seriously, persist despite opposition and rely on his help, there will be a reward for us, too.
From The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide
for Your Journey Through the New Testament,
Copyright © 2010 by Michael B. McElroy. Used
by permission. All rights reserved.
Today in God's Word—July 2024
East Tallassee Church of Christ
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