Summoning the Twelve, He gave them power and authority over all the demons, and power to heal diseases. Then He sent them to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
“Take nothing for the road,” He told them, “no walking stick, no traveling bag, no bread, no money; and don’t take an extra shirt. Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there. If they do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” Luke 9:1-5 HCSB
As Christians, we want to see other people become Christians. We want to see them have that loving relationship with the Lord we have. We want to see them walking in faith and trusting in the Lord. We want them to experience unending joy and peace that passes all understanding. It’s hard to fathom why anyone wouldn’t want that. But sadly, we will encounter people that have no desire to develop a deeper relationship with the Lord.
In our scripture passage today, Jesus is sending His disciples out to remove demons, proclaim God’s kingdom and heal the sick. He knows they will face rejection from some. Even today, we see many people suffering and know they need the Lord, but they just don’t want to hear it.
Matthew 28:19-20 is known as the Great Commission. Jesus tells His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that He had commanded His disciples to do. He told them to remember that He was with them always to the end of the age.
As Christians, we are called to share the gospel with others. We are called to let them know about the salvation the Lord has provided for them through His Son Jesus Christ.
Unfortunately, many do not want to hear about Christ’s great love for us. They don’t want to change anything about their lifestyle. They just don’t want to be bothered. Sadly, they don’t welcome the gospel into their lives. We need to know when it is time to move on.
We need to pray continually for wisdom and discernment. We need to be sure that we maintain a close relationship with the Lord. When we do this, He will let us know whether we should stay and keep trying or move on. In Matthew 7:6, Jesus says that we should not give what is holy to dogs or throw our pearls before swine.
Once we surrender our lives to Christ and find peace and joy, we want to share it with others especially those we love. We must understand, however, that many will reject it.
They may even become angry with you and possibly reject you as well. When this happens, move on. There are many others who need to hear about His great love for us. In Matthew 7:6 He tells us what we have to share with them is too valuable to waste.
It is our duty to share the gospel, but some will receive it, and some will not. When someone refuses to receive it or rejects it, we must move on. We should continue to pray for that person and for their salvation. We should pray someone will come along and water the seed we have planted.
If someone accepts the gospel stay with them and help them to grow. Remember they are baby Christians and will need the help of a good mentor. Be sure they are surrounded by a good church family.
In today’s world there are people hungering and thirsting for Christ and those who have no desire to change their evil ways. Pray before you approach someone and trust God. If they want to hear what you have to say, stay with them and help them in their journey.
If they reject you, move on to someone more receptive.
In either situation be sure your words and actions bring God glory, honor and praise.
Have a great day!