Matthew 10: “After Jesus had finished instructing His twelve disciples, He went on from there to teach and preach in their cities. “
After Jesus sent his disciples out to minister in places that were new to them, he himself went on to teach and preach in their cities. Many times we are concerned when we leave our families to minister in another country. We entertain all kinds of fears – what is going to happen to my elderly parents? Will my children follow the Lord? What is going to happen to my friends and neighbors?
These days COVID – 19 threatens the safety of the entire world. Now we have new reasons to worry about elderly parents, or children, or friends or neighbors! We live and work in Saboba, Northern Region, Ghana, a small district capital on the border between Ghana and Togo. We work at an Assemblies of God, Ghana, mission hospital. Our only points of contact with our friends or family are long -distance phone calls and Facebook posts and messages. In such a setting, it is easy to allow fear to take over. But Jesus came to free us from fear! There are 365 times in the Bible where God says, “Fear not!” That’s one promise for each day of the year.
Let’s look at these disciples for a minute. Most of the disciples were successful tradesmen or businessmen, respected members of their communities. In those days, people rarely traveled more than a few miles outside their home areas; yet, Jesus sent every one of these men out to brand new communities, places where they had no friends or relatives. Many of these men must have had wives and children about whom they were concerned. But Jesus wanted his followers to learn that God could provide for them. Jesus also wanted to teach a second lesson. Once these men went forth to follow Jesus’ instructions, Jesus went to every one of their cities to preach and teach. Wow! Which would be better, having Jesus come and preach and teach, or having one of the followers try to witness to his own family? Hmm. This was not a difficult decision. How many of us have learned that witnessing to a family member is one of the most difficult things one can do?
There was another aspect to this situation as well. Jesus once told his disciples that a prophet is not without honor, save in his own country. If the disciples went out to new places, they would be received as honored guests. If the disciples stayed home and tried to teach and preach, all their friends and relatives would simply laugh. “Oh! That Simon Peter! Ever since he’s been following that carpenter from Galilee, he thinks he’s really somebody!” No. Better to go to a bunch of strangers and allow Jesus to do what he did best – minister in a myriad of ways.
Today as you worry about your loved ones, remember that if God sends you out, He will make sure someone else takes care of those you left behind. If you are faithful to go where God wants you to, Jesus will move someone else to care for your family and friends. Trust him! Jesus never changes. He’s the same yesterday, today, and forever! (Hebrews 13:5)
PRAYER: Father God, thank you that if you send us to minister to someone, you care for those we have left behind! Thank you that your watch care is far more comprehensive and effective than anything we can possibly accomplish. And thank you that even in the midst of a world – wide pandemic, we can trust you because you are a faithful, covenant – keeping God. In the mighty Name of Jesus. Amen.
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