Words from the Rock
Don’t begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers. And don’t try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously.
Matthew 10:5–8 Message
Jesus knew that when he challenged his followers to pray for God to send out people to gather his harvest, their own hearts would be changed. Meaning that it’s hard to pray for something and not become open to the possibility that God could be asking you to be part of the answer.
As a result, Jesus’s disciples and other followers were suddenly willing to go out and spread the Good News themselves. And, in case you’ve forgotten, they lived in an era of no TV, radio, Internet, or telephone—consequently, the only way to let people know what was going on was through word of mouth. And that meant some traveling (by foot), which required time and energy. No easy task. But they were up for the challenge. And they were ready to head off in every direction. Imagine them poring over maps, making plans, getting excited, packing their bags, resoling their sandals.
But Jesus said, “Wait.” He told them to share this Good News with their own family and friends first and to start this thing right where they lived—in their own towns and neighborhoods. Because Jesus knew that those “nearby” people were just as lost and confused as those who lived hundreds of miles away. He also knew that people are sometimes more willing to listen to someone if they already have a relationship with that person. For instance, if a stranger comes to you and says, “Hey, you should buy this new CD,” you might be skeptical. But if a trusted friend says the same thing, you’d probably get the CD. And Jesus says it’s similar with us—before we pack our bags to go help people in Nepal, we should reach out to those around us first.
My Prayer
Dear God,
I want to be willing to share your Good News. But I know I need your help. If you really want me to start with people I know, please lead the way. Show me who and how—and give me the courage to share.
Amen.
Final Word
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it
when it’s in your power to help them.
Proverbs 3:27 NLT
Stone for the Journey
Before you can love the whole world, you need to love your neighbor.