The Chosen
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When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3 He told them: “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt. 4 Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. 5 If people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” 6 So they set out and went from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere.
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5 “Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
6 Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.
7 “Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die:
8 Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.
9 Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’
Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonour the name of my God.
Introduction
Our reading today is about JC choosing the disciples and giving them a message and authority. Proverbs 30:5 sets it up well, ‘Every Word of God is flawless, He is a shield to those who take refuge in him.’ As we look at JC choosing, empowering and directing his disciples, let us apply the flawless word to ourselves and accept it as a shield as we step out in faith..
1.He chose them, we are chosen
2.He empowered them, we are empowered
3.He directed them, he guides and directs us.
He chose them, we are chosen
JC called his full team together for the task ahead. Likewise Jesus has called us to serve him. We don't decide to witness for him, he decides to use us (John 15:16). We are to seize the opportunities he provides. This is a call to be active, not to sit and wait like armchair spectators. This is an ongoing calling for every church member that JC chooses us to take his message out to those around us. We do not need a special word, this is the very heart cry of our Lord to take his message out.
[Illustr. I wonder can you remember a time at school when the teacher sent you out with a message to another teacher or to welcome a guest to the school or college or even work. You felt special to be chosen….you were the one who was chosen to represent the teacher. Yes, it’s an honour to be chosen, the sender gives us the directions and the sender gives the authority to represent him.
He empowered them, we are empowered
The disciples were given authority. They were Jesus’ reps. We are Christians, the word Christian is a derivation of ‘Christ’s ones.’ That’s us, and when He calls us, he also equips us to do the task he has given us. We may not experience that empowering until we actually start to serve. At Pentecost they were told to wait for the power of the Holy Spirit to come upon them.
We may not feel like we are able or empowered, but if we trust him and step out in faith to speak about Jesus, we will find he is with us, empowering.
The Policeman raises a hand and traffic stops. Not because of physical muscle, but because he has been given the authority. Likewise, the Lord gives us what we need, when we need it, and the authority, if we trust him for it.
He directed them, he guides and directs us.
Jesus told them that they were to preach and heal (v2), ‘to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.’ When sent by Jesus, we don't have to make up a message or guess at our task - he will direct us if we look to him. He has given us the message, a message that Jesus has come to set people free, free from sin, peace and courage for the worries and stresses of daily life. It’s a message of God’s love for us, God’s grace and mercy in dealing with us. It’s a message that changes lives [Pete McGowan]. You may think I cant preach but you can tell your story to your friend about how Jesus makes a difference in your life.
(vs 3,4) He directed them to take nothing. This was Jesus telling them to rely on his resources alone, to trust him for all that they would need. Prov 30:8 ‘I ask of you, Lord….. give me only my daily bread. 9 Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Luke 9:3 JC telling them not to get weighed down by belongings. Belongings make you belong to a place or a property (not saying that is bad but we must not get weighed down by these material things).
Our focus should be on the task ahead not on big preparations. That is true for us, only when trust him for and with all our 'things' will be free to serve him fully.
Conclusion
Let us ask God for opportunities to minister to our friends, family and neighbours. It’s a message he gives us. He is the one who will direct us as we walk with God; the HS will empower us - hear it again, the Lord has chosen you to be the bearer of his message to others…. let us pray.
