| Vulnerable |
 |
 |
 |
| Written by Mark Junkans |
|
Luke 10:1 After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. Jesus sent his disciples into the towns and places where he was about to go. They were sent to proclaim that the Kingdom of God is here. They weren’t allowed to take anything along with them that would hinder their progress, including a purse, bag or sandals. They were to seek out people of peace and then get invited to stay in their homes. Who’s willing to sign up for a mission like that? Where should we go, Africa, Haiti, the inner city? The fact is that we, Jesus’ followers, are called and sent to do His ministry. We are called to announce the Kingdom of God to our community. We are called to seek people of peace that will listen to our message of hope and salvation through Jesus Christ. How? First of all, find a connection with people. Jesus knew that if his disciples were forced to ask people for help, they would connect with them. One of the most basic connections is food. When we share food with someone, or they share a meal with us, there is a connection that is made beyond just “hi.” When we allow someone to help us, we make ourselves vulnerable for a minute and we don’t seem as unapproachable as before. One of the first things we must learn as we seek to serve our community is that we must also learn to receive from them. There must be a give and take. It says to the person “you have something valuable to give me as well.” We live in a community full of needs, but also one that is full of resources and people who are gifts of God to their friends and families. Our community is not just full of objects of our sympathy and compassion, but also full of potential evangelists, pastors, teachers and leaders. When you are sent out, try to follow the principles that Christ taught the seventy-two. Dependance on God, building deep relationships and allowing ourselves to be vulnerable for the sake of His Kingdom. |
