Begin with the end in mind

Matthew Chapter 10

We want to claim all the good stuff God has given to anyone in scripture.  Sometimes powers are given to people for periods of time.  The 12 disciples were some of these special people that were given special powers to do miraculous healings.  Not only did Jesus say these 12 but they were listed just in case we missed who was given this amazing ability.

Most want to live in a magical place with powers but not too many want to trust Jesus as the 12 were directed.  Take no money, nor any extra clothes, or even a staff to protect and help your journey.  Why did they take nothing?  The 12 were to receive provisions from those who were ministered to by them.  Being a Pastor I feel led to ponder this a little longer.  : )

Verse 11 through 15- they were to be ready to move on.  “Shake the dust off your feet”, which meant according to Barnes: “The Jews taught uniformly that the dust of the Gentiles was impure, and was to be shaken off. To shake off the dust from the feet, therefore, was a significant act, denoting that they regarded them as impure, profane, and paganish, and that they declined any further connection with them”  Don’t let those who are unbelievers keep you from serving Jesus.

Through the end of this chapter Jesus explains life with Him will be difficult, people will hate you, not understand you and will come against you.  Now you still have peace and joy in the Lord, but life is troubling because those who do not follow Christ will hate you.  Why is this not on the cover of “why I should be born again” brochure?  Through the adversity continue to pick up your cross and follow Jesus.  New Haven students remember rule number two: “Begin with the end in mind”.  Remember, losing everything here does not affect your eternal rewards.  Look past today to what really matters in Christ Jesus.  At the end of Christ’ instructions to the 12 He explains that those that provide for you will be rewarded.  There is a prophet reward for receiving one who proclaims truth.  There is a righteous man reward for those who will receive one striving to live for Christ.  Just give a cold cup of water in the name of a disciple & you receive a disciple’s reward.  There is more to this world than this world!