Sent By Jesus
by Tammy Iund Woodard
I don’t know if I have really looked closely at this story. The God-story that these 70 disciples must have had. We hear so much about the 12 disciples, but Jesus made disciples of more than the 12. Jesus entrusted these 70 to go BEFORE Him and share the gospel. It is an amazing story of partnering with God, co-laboring.
We were asked during the service today: What is the story you take with you as you go out into the world?
What is YOUR God-story? Are you sharing your God-story with those you meet? With those in your world? Are you sharing the gospel?
Sometimes, we feel like only those with a title or training can share the gospel. Could you imagine if only Jesus and the 12 disciples were commissioned to share the good news? I’m sure news of Jesus would have traveled but not nearly as far and wide. When God calls us, He equips us. When God calls us, He qualifies us.
Jesus gave them instructions for going out:
Before you go pray.
He sent the 70 out ahead of Him to places He would be going next. Let God lead the way. Psalms 37:23 - The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.
Jesus directed them to see the harvest in front of them. Each morning, ask God to present opportunities for you to share the gospel. Then be on the lookout for those opportunities throughout your day.
Jesus said to be concerned about the lack of laborers. The question is: Are you living a life to be imitated? Are you making disciples? Paul said it this way, “And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1.
These are great instructions for us to follow as we go out each and every morning. I think of Colossians 3:23-24, Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. Whether you are headed to the office, working from home or retired, you are working for the Lord in ALL you do. I remember when this scripture first was solidified in my spirit. It changed my entire attitude and whenever I need an attitude adjustment, I reflect on it. When we go out with the perspective that we are working for the Lord in all things and our steps are ordered by God, we will see the opportunities to share the gospel through our God-story.
These 70 were charged with the task of spreading the reputation of Jesus. They were to heal the sick and spread the gospel message. Luke 10:16 Then he said to the disciples, “Anyone who accepts your message is also accepting me. And anyone who rejects you is rejecting me. And anyone who rejects me is rejecting God, who sent me.” What I love about this final instruction is that it speaks to our identity. When sharing our God-story, it’s not about us. That’s why it is a GOD-story. How the gospel is received is not our responsibility. We are sharing the good news of the gospel through our God-story and it’s all about…….yep, GOD!
So I ask you again: What is the story you take with you as you go out into the world? Have you taken the time to reflect on your journey and know your God-story? I had to take the time to do that. I often go through life and get in too big of a hurry and don’t take the time to be reflective. During a discipleship class, I was forced to look back at the major events of my life. Events that were significant to me and changed the trajectory of my life - good and bad. What I found by doing that was my God-story. I found the good news of the gospel in the timeline of my life. God was there always! God used every moment in my life to show me the unconditional love of Father God. He showed me how His faithfulness outlasted my unfaithfulness every single time.
What is your God-story? How will you share the good news of the gospel with your God-story? God is sending you. What is He saying? Are you asking? Are you looking?
Call to Action:
Pray, read and reflect on these scriptures this week.
Reflect on your journey and ask God to show you your God-story.
Luke 10
Psalms 37:23
Colossians 3:23-24
1 Corinthians 11:1
Reflection:
What is the story you take with you as you go out into the world?
What is YOUR God-story? Are you sharing your God-story with those you meet? How will you share the good news of the gospel with your God-story?
Are you living a life to be imitated? Are you making disciples?
What is God saying to you? Are you asking? Are you looking?
