Dear Explorer,
Once again, this incident was recorded by 3 of the 4 gospel writers. Read all three and then we'll discuss it.
Read Matthew 10:1-15
And
Read Mark 6:7-13
And
Read Luke 9:1-6
In Mark's account of this, we're told that the apostles were sent out in pairs. So, 6 teams went out to different villages. What was their assignment?
What 2 things were they especially equipped to do?
What were they to pack?
Where were they to stay overnight?
What should they do if people refused to welcome them?
Now this shaking their feet was a cultural thing that meant the disciples would not take responsibility for that town's or person's decisions.
I think that's important to remember as you begin to share the Good News with other people. Some people will accept it readily and gladly, some will accept it gradually over a longer period of time, and some people will reject God's gift. We need to emotionally shake that dust from our feet and not get upset when someone refuses God's plan. We grieve for their loss and then move on. There are plenty of others who are eager to hear the Good News. So, don't let it throw you when someone refuses the Good News. Our job is to share it – and let God take care of the results.
I remember a ministry trip I took in college. About 2 hours away from my college was a lake that was a popular camping area. Crossing that lake was a ferry boat that carried people and cars. It took about 15 minutes to cross Norfork Lake. Once the cars were loaded on, the people were stuck sitting in their cars for about 12 minutes total. And there were probably 15-20 cars on each trip crossing the ferry all day long both directions. A group of about 20 of us began to pray for that location and asked the Lord of the Harvest to equip us to share with the people who were crossing that Lake. So, that's why I crossed Norfork Lake on a ferry about a jillion times one Saturday. I stood and talked through the car window to anyone who would let me tell them about what God had done in my life. It's was so cool! Yes, a few people rolled up their windows and frowned, but most people were willing to listen. One person asked me to talk with him after the ferry ride ended and two or three of us got off the ferry and shared with him how to invite Jesus into his life. We answered his questioned and he said he would think about it. I don't know whether he ever became a follower of Jesus or not, but I know that I was obedient, and it gave me great joy.
That was a special day of ministry that stands out to me. But I have tried to live my life so that the Holy Spirit can prompt me to share with anyone, anywhere, at any time.
I'm praying that you will have compassion on the lost and will ask God to guide you to be ready to share as He leads.
In His service, dale
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