The Wednesday Word 8.24.2022

 Luke 9:1-6NLT

 “1 One day Jesus called together his twelve disciples and gave them power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases. 2 Then he sent them out to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3 “Take nothing for your journey,” he instructed them. “Don’t take a walking stick, a traveler’s bag, food, money, or even a change of clothes. 4 Wherever you go, stay in the same house until you leave town. 5 And if a town refuses to welcome you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate.” 6 So they began their circuit of the villages, preaching the Good News and healing the sick.”

Jesus’ instructions as he sent his followers out to spread the Good News were very specific and far-reaching. One in particular always strikes me and gives me pause: Verse 5. It is something I find contrary to what I think Jesus wants me to do. Therein lies the problem! I think I know, but maybe I don’t know at all! In any translation, the message is the same. From The Message, we read, “If you’re not welcomed, leave town. Don’t make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and move on.” That is plain as day! So why do we have such a hard time with it? Haven’t you ever found yourself totally frustrated with your fellow man? Maybe it is a loved one with whom you have tried repeatedly to connect or assist or respectfully advise, with no success. What makes us think it is our job to be a fixer of what’s broken? Who do we think we are?

I finally realized that position was filled far, far above my pay grade! We cannot be saviors. There is only one, and that is The Savior. The only thing we can do when those around us are not ready to hear the Good News is love them and pray for them. “Don’t make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and move on.” We can try to set an example by the life we lead. We can be ready to share what makes our lives richer than they were before, if we are called upon to do so. We can pray that the Holy Spirit will touch them and bring them closer to the true Savior. Sometimes, we even get to see it happen. Often, we do not. You may never know the part you played. But, Jesus does…something to pray about.

Don’t forget to look for the Lord today. Vicki H.















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