You too be on guard against him,
for he has strongly resisted our preaching.
The LORD is calling us to be fearless in following him. We are called to proclaim the gospel in season and out of season (see Second Timothy 4:2). We have human tendencies to try to take care of ourselves, to ensure our needs are met, and to not put ourselves at risk by offending others. God calls us to learn to rely on him instead.
But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength,
so that through me the proclamation might be completed
and all the Gentiles might hear it.
We want to carefully control our resources to ensure that we have enough. We want to take a very measured approach to danger likes wolves. If we can't avoid them entirely we hope to tip-toe as far from them as we can. This all makes sense until the LORD calls us and tells us where to go or tells us what to say.
Go on your way;
behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.
Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals;
and greet no one along the way.
We have to learn to trust Jesus and to take him at his word. The world needs the peace we have to offer. It is a peace that is only available when we surrender our rights to govern our own lives to God.
Into whatever house you enter,
first say, 'Peace to this household.'
We can't give the peace of Jesus if we don't have it. This is why Jesus insists that the laborers whom he calls rely on him completely. Those he calls are not just priests and religious. He calls all of us into his vineyard so we all need to learn this lesson.
Let us remain faithful even in the hard times. This is a lesson Luke can teach us in his fidelity to Paul on the mission. This is the truth of friendship in Christ that is greater than any friendship the world can offer.
Luke is the only one with me.
May the LORD help us go out to the harvest on the path of peace he shows. May he give us and make us true friends in Christ.
Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.
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