We’re All On Mission
Matthew 4:18-20 (ESV)
18 While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”[a] 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
On mission. We all answered the call to join the military service to serve our country. There were 12 men who answered the direct ask from Jesus to follow him and to give witness to what he was doing, and to learn what it meant to be a follower of Christ, first hand.
Ultimately, these men went on an adventure of a lifetime and for three years witnessed and worked directly with Jesus. They traveled around the ancient world with him, then went on further as the world expanded to speak about His purpose and how our relationship with God could be direct, and not through a priest. In essence, a New Covenant had been established.
I can only imagine traveling as far as they did on foot, and not even carrying a pack. No sleeping bag, no change of clothes, no flak jacket or helmet. He even told them not to carry MRE’s. And not to mention another important item, a map.
5 These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, 6 but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. 9 Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, 10 no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food. 11 And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. 12 As you enter the house, greet it. 13 And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. (Matt 10:5-14) ESV
This was Survival Class 101; however, your needs completely depended on God and his leading. As we begin this year, it’s still January and some have probably have already started to break a few of those resolutions. Time to set a course for where you feel called to go and be On Mission with Jesus.
Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all the day long. (Psalms 25:4-5) ESV
May you build your paths in the will of God and hear his voice as you continue to walk this adventurous life.