72

Growing up and well into my adult hood…like until today, I never thought much about the other followers of Jesus during his ministry on earth and soon following his death and resurrection. There is much emphasis on the 12 and those closest to them. However, reading in Luke 10 today a few things stood out to me. 1) He sent 72 others 2) He sent them in pairs 3) He sent them to every town and place where he himself was to go 4) He asked them to pray because the harvest was “abundant” and the workers were few.

These are important things for me to remember today. Many of us feel called to ministry and we do not always know what that looks like. There are so many big names in ministry today and for me this causes a lot of doubt and insecurity. I don’t know how many times I have said “no one wants to hear what I say” or “I’ve got nothing new to share” – but the thing is everyone’s mission field is going to be different.

Jesus did not tell the 72 to go to the places where the 12 had already gone. Jesus did not send the 72 on their own to cover more ground- he sent them together. He sent them to the places where he was about to go and He encouraged them to pray for more workers.

So you see, your mission field is perhaps just your home or your workplace. You don’t have to have a big following or a formal ministry. You were not meant to do it alone. Grab a like minded friend- encourage each other. Support each other. Pray for each other. And know if you are called to “go” to a certain place (even if its in the next room) this must mean that Jesus is preparing to be there too!!!

No matter how many workers there are – the harvest for followers of God is growing! There will never be too many workers! Your mission is not going to be the same as my mission. Don’t believe the lies that the world doesn’t need another woman talking about Jesus! Take the next step, grab your partner, and just Go.

As you continue to read in Chapter 10 Jesus gives more instructions and basically He says – I have already given you all you need. Go and offer peace. Not everyone will welcome you and in that case; move on! Keep those in your prayers but don’t dwell there. Move on!

Maybe your name will never be known outside of your home mission field. Maybe you will be like the unnamed 72. Maybe you will wonder if you even matter. Trust me. You matter! Those 72 were able to reach people that the 12 were not. You are able to meet and minister to people in ways that the Big name preachers and teachers can not. The world needs all the workers for Christ.

Don’t give up. Jesus will never give up on you.

 

Be well! Dwell with Him, in His Word and with His people!

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