Luke 10:1–11 ‘Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.’ (vv3–4)
Christian life and witness is challenging. Lambs have a healthy regard for wolves who can easily destroy them. One reason Christianity is fragile in our world is that it does not have the ability to sustain itself. The source of all its power is in God. Jesus Himself is described as the Lamb of God (John 1:29) and reveals that He does not win through might and power, but through obedience to His Father in heaven (John 5:19). If Jesus is dependent on His Father, then it follows that we are in exactly the same position. We are not confrontational but our value is in the way we choose to live and to love. On all occasions, our speech refuses to escalate conflict or insult another (Col. 4:6).
If we are to find our way as disciples in what is often a hostile environment, we need to be determined in our decision to follow Jesus. As James tells us, if we are in two minds then circumstances will destabilise our confidence in God and in ourselves (James 1:8). We are also not to depend on our own resources but look to Jesus alone to meet our needs, moment by moment.
A challenge to the depth of confidence we actually have in God. Finally, we are to seek to bring a blessing wherever we go. Such a blessing will either create a welcome or we will be swiftly rejected. God invites us to invest in those who receive our blessing.
SCRIPTURE TO CONSIDER: Ps. 22:19–28; Ezek. 2:3–10; John 15:18–25; Acts 14:21–28.
AN ACTION TO TAKE: What and who represents the wolves in your life? Be of good cheer, Christ has overcome the world (John 16:33).
A PRAYER TO MAKE: ‘Lord, enable me to be faithful in being consistent in my Christian life, always available to respond to Your call if it comes. Amen.’
