Luke 9:1-2
One day Jesus called together his
twelve apostles and gave them authority over all demons—power to cast
them out—and to heal all diseases. Then he sent them away to tell
everyone about the coming of the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
“Don’t
even take along a walking stick,” he instructed them, “nor a beggar’s
bag, nor food, nor money. Not even an extra coat. Be a guest in only one
home at each village.
“If the people of a town won’t listen to
you when you enter it, turn around and leave, demonstrating God’s anger
against it by shaking its dust from your feet as you go.”
The
Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by
permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois
60188. All rights reserved.
Suppose
a well-known televangelist came to visit your town for a week. He
entered the city on his private jet...a chauffeur picked him up at the
airport in a very expensive car. This evangelist was wearing expensive,
designer clothing, and he was taken to the home of some of the
community’s wealthiest citizens, where a private chef prepared a meal
for him before he spoke to a group at one of the area churches.
Throughout the week, this person moved from one expensive home to
another, dined on extravagant meals – many of which were brought in from
other cities or prepared by some of our state’s best chefs, as hosts
tried to "one-up" each other. He played golf during the day with the
city’s elite...toured area landmarks with an entourage of press and
public officials ...and was treated to V.I.P. treatment at every turn.
Each
night, this person “preached” in one of the local churches – and even
once in a community-wide gathering at the school’s gymnasium. He
admonished people to “come to Jesus,” and he concluded the services with
lengthy “invitations” and “altar calls” in which he practically
insisted that those in attendance should come forward and make some sort
of public profession...or face the wrath of God and the possibility of
eternity in Hell. Before leaving town, he disgustedly told many that
this community was filled with sin – and sinners! This person’s
week-long stay in the community was the “talk of the town” for a long,
long time...and not necessarily in a good way.
Contrast this
visit with one from a friend who drove into town in his old Ford pickup
with 150,000 miles or more on it. He came straight to your house and
asked if he could hang out there for about a week. He insisted that he
didn’t want to be a bother...that he would be “in and out” as he visited
with other friends and family members in town...and that he would be
treating you and others to a few meals – that you would not be expected
to feed him three times a day or entertain him for an entire week.
Over
the course of a week, this person walked or drove himself around your
community and visited with people; checked on friends and family members
who were elderly, infirm, or under the weather; helped out a couple of
folks with projects around their house or yard; and never missed an
opportunity to tell everyone he met how blessed he was because of
Jesus. He even spent extra time with a couple of friends who needed an
encouraging word and some spiritual direction and prayer – and he led a
couple of informal Bible studies in your living room. When the week
ended, people were genuinely sad to see him go...but they felt a renewed
sense of blessing and joy...and some were even moved to seek a deeper
relationship with God because of the things they had experienced and
witnessed in this person.
Now who do you think was the more
effective witness...the person who blazed in with fancy cars and more
and touted “his way or the highway”...or the friend who came for a visit
and met people right where they were, recognized their needs of all
kinds, and did what he could to address them in Jesus’ name?
Do
you see where you and I might fit into this scenario? Most of us
probably fall somewhere in the middle...certainly not the
high-and-mighty televangelist - but maybe not the humble servant,
either. Are we all about appearances...and “numbers”? How have we
interpreted our directive from Jesus to “heal all diseases” in His
name? Do we meet people at whatever level they find themselves? Do we
offer unadulterated grace, mercy, forgiveness, and unconditional love...
or do we give others the impression that they are inferior and have to
“step up their game” in order to receive the healing power of Jesus
Christ? Do we leave people wanting more of Jesus out of a deep love and
desire to be like Him...or a fear that they have to accept what He is
offering – or else?
Do we approach others with arrogance and a
“look-what-God-has-called-ME-to” attitude? Or do we come without even a
walking stick or a second coat and say, “Jesus is all you need” to
anyone who will listen? Do we try to beat down and berate others into
submission – or worse, to our way of thinking – or do we say, “I’d like
you to meet my Jesus,” and let Him to do the rest. Are we willing to do
what Jesus has called us to do...then walk away and give Him room to
work? Or do we feel we have to put on a show and gather as many
followers as possible?
If we have given our heart to Jesus and
believe that He is our Savior, He has called us to share His Good News
with others...to “heal all diseases” in His name. But Jesus has been
very clear about how we are to accomplish this...and it doesn’t involve a
flashy show, coercion, or throwing a hissy fit when others are not
receptive. We probably all have work to do in this area. I know I
do...what about you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
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