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Day 31 Luke 9:1-6 Luke 9:1 Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. 2 And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. 3 And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece. 4 And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart. 5 And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them. 6 And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing everywhere. Many missionaries when they prepare for the mission field, sell everything they have, so they have nothing tying them to their former life. Everything they receive is from donations by churches and people who believe in the work they set out to do. Jesus sent his disciples to the cities of Judah to preach the kingdom of God, giving them power and authority over demons and diseases. He told them to take nothing with them, but to rely only on those they preached to and whose home they stayed in. As Christians, you know the work missionaries do is sometimes dangerous, and can lead to death for preaching the gospel. Jesus told his disciples to shake the dust off their shoes as a testimony against anyone who would not receive them. Today’s message has changed from the time when Jesus sent out his disciples. Then they preached the kingdom of God. Today missionaries preach the gospel of salvation with Jesus’ command to go to the entire world. Today we don’t shake the dust off our feet against people who don’t listen, we pray for the Holy Spirit to touch them, and lead them to Jesus as Savior and Lord. However, every program has a beginning, and for the disciples, they were sent to the cities preaching about God’s kingdom. Letting people know their Messiah had come into their midst, and for proof, they had authority over demons and diseases. And people listened and were healed. That beginning, led to the missionary journeys they took after Jesus rose from the dead. They had more to preach about. No longer do missionaries shake off the dust of a city or people. Instead, they pray because God doesn’t want anyone to perish but for everyone to receive salvation. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (KJV) That first missionary journey before Jesus’ death and resurrection, put seeds into the hearts and minds of the people they ministered to. Isaiah 55:11 So shall my word be that goes forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. Only God knows what the person who hears the gospel will do with it. It is your job to take the gospel to the people. Let’s pray: Father, thank you for people who paved the way, making it possible for me to preach your Word. Help me be bold for you as I present Your gospel to anyone who will listen. Send Your Holy Spirit to touch the hearts and minds of everyone who will hear Your Word. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen. Copyright © 22 September 2018 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay