Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two
'Why me?' We think. We think that we don't have the training for this call. We don't feel ready for it. We're so used to doing what we choose that we don't really understand what it is like to be chosen for this task.
as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world,
Just as the twelve are given authority for their mission so too are we.
and gave them authority over unclean spirits.
We are called to spread the kingdom in different ways according to our gifts. But feeling like we aren't gifted isn't an excuse. It's more of a cop-opt.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has blessed us in Christ
with every spiritual blessing in the heavens [emphasis added]
We have every spiritual blessing. We have authority. Even if we aren't confident, God chose us and we can trust him. In Jesus we experience the love of the Father, the favor of his will, and the glory of his grace. In Jesus we receive redemption. In little ways in big ones we are called to "sum up" or "recapitulate" this love in our daily lives. Now we see that we must do this not only where we choose to do it, not only where it is comfortable to do it, but where we are called to do it.
I was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamores.
The LORD took me from following the flock, and said to me,
Go, prophesy to my people Israel.”
Going out two by two makes it harder to make excuses it keeps us motivated and accountable. We say, 'I don't feel up to it.' They remind us, 'You are chosen, gifted, and given authority for this. You are ready for it.' Let's encourage one another today to heed the call and spread the Kingdom.
I will hear what God proclaims;
the LORD —for he proclaims peace.
Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him,
glory dwelling in our land.
No comments:
Post a Comment