Good Going

14. April 2008 Luke 0

Text: Luke 10:1-20 Theme: The seventy-two out got their instructions and commission from Jesus and their results proved it. Key verses: “…the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them out two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals…'” (v. 1-4) “When you enter a town and are welcomed…tell them, ‘The Kingdom of God is near you.’ But when you enter a town and are not welcomed…say…’Yet be sure of this: The Kingdom of God is near.'” (v. 8-11) “The seventy-two returned with joy and said, ‘Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.’ He replied, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes…'” (v. 17-19) What God said to me: Dwayne, notice that I appointed a select group to go to select places. I instructed them in how to conduct their ministries both personally and publically. I sent them out. I welcomed them back and then rejoiced with their success. Each of these actions is vitally important in any missions effort. First, those who go must be appointed and directed. I am still the one who does the appointing. You disciple and encourage my children, but I decide who goes where. Yes, every believer has a commission to go, but they must listen to my voice to know where to go. You as my church have the responsibility to help instruct my appointees. Do not fail in this. Give them clear and concise directives based on my Word. Go out with them; model effective witnessing in front of them. Thoroughly explain what they should expect to encounter and how to handle each possible situation. And don’t be afraid to give them a little push to actually get them out there witnessing of me. Don’t be guilty of sending people to the streets and mission fields and then forgetting about them. Pray for them. And anticipate their safe return. When they return, rejoice with them, or, in some cases, listen to their frustrations and help soothe their hurt over rejections. In a word, fully mentor everyone you can to go and tell, then come and share. What I said to God: Lord, thank You for this powerful flow today. I see more clearly now Your deliberate example of how to send and how to train and the importance of remaining accountable for them and their success. Thank You for Jesus, who always set the perfect example for us to follow of what You expect of us. Please do send more laborers into the incredibly ripe harvest of America and Europe and Russia and Africa and China and South America and Australia. There is only one God that can meet the deepest need of everyone of these people. That is You, O God, my God. May we (I) not keep You to ourselves!