PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Mark 6:6-13
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Take nothing for the journey except a staff.” (Mark 6:8)
Jesus is announcing that with his coming, God is revealing the kingdom.
‘When you see me’ says Jesus, ‘simple as I am, you see God at work!’
Jesus goes from village to village to tell and show people.
Now he sends his disciples in pairs to do the same.
But ‘keep it simple’ Jesus says, this is not meant to be complicated.
No gimmicks, no program, no excessive supplies or training needed.
Just be your ordinary selves, and let people know God is on the move.
Be a gracious guest, and extend grace and peace to your hosts.
Pray for people, anoint them with oil, and let God do the rest!
You do not need to be seminary trained, ordained, or a bible scholar.
Jesus wants ordinary people like us to show and tell, wherever we are.
Love and serve people, help them when able, pray for them.
Keep it so simple that whatever happens, you know its God at work.
Show and tell how Jesus has changed you, and let the Spirit change others!
PRAYER
Lord, forgive us for making this so complicated, only for professionals. Help us as ordinary Jesus followers to go just as we are, and to trust your Spirit to produce the results.
The seed of the gospel has to fall on fertile soil – when it is welcome, the HS can work in the hearts of the listeners. As the sower, I need to carry the seed – that’s all. I don’t have to get caught up in the mechanics and procedures of planting – I just need to bring the seed. So often we think we need to be trained in technique – but all we really need to do is take the seed to places where we are welcomed: “if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place”. Sure we may be asked questions about our faith – we should be prepared to answer as the HS leads us. Leading someone who is new to gospel can be challenging but it also encourages me to dig more into the scriptures to help the person understand and address their questions. The most important thing is to be genuine – if I don’t know I should say so. Jesus told his disciples to stay in the homes of villagers that welcomed them – not standing and broadcasting but getting to know a family, and from there reaching out to others. Planting the seed in one place and allowing it to grow and spread! Lord help me to be open to those who are receptive to hear! Help me to be open and genuine about the hope I have in you!!
Do like I do says Jesus. Proclaim the Good News.
Go He said to His disciples – just as you are without preparations for the journey. You have seen me now do the same.
I need to do the same. Be His liht and share His Word and prayer and God will take care of the rest. Plant the seeds and God will take care of the rest.
1 Be not dismayed whate’er betide,
God will take care of you;
Beneath his wings of love abide,
God will take care of you.
Refrain:
God will take care of you,
through ev’ry day, o’er all the way;
He will take care of you,
God will take care of you.
2 Through days of toil when heart doth fail,
God will take care of you;
When dangers fierce your path assail,
God will take care of you. [Refrain]
3 No matter what may be the test,
God will take care of you;
Lean, weary one, upon his breast,
God will take care of you. [Refrain]