What do we do with our friends? Do they accompany us on potentially difficult journeys? Do we rely on them when our strength fails? All this and more are ours to reflect on as we consider Today’s Holy Nougat
Luke 10:1 CEVDCI
[1] Later the Lord chose 72 other followers and sent them out two by two to every town and village where he was about to go.
Sent … with Reinforcement
As we reflect on the strength and power of friendship, the disciples of Y’shua might have come to mind. Regardless of where they started, as colleagues in the fishing industry, or siblings, perhaps even complete strangers … for three years they were part of Y’shua’s inner circle. Even Judas. At some point, they were sent out to share what Y’shua taught, and after their successful foray, others were sent – but in pairs. In the pairing of the 72, we hear echoes of iron sharpening iron, and strength in numbers.
Self-Check
If Christ were to send us out in pairs, how would we respond? Do we treat it like group work, i.e., do we take it as an opportunity to let the other person work while we idle; or do we shoulder all the responsibility while complaining about the person’s lack of support; or do we work as a team, complementing each other’s gifts and skills in ministry?
Application
In all my prior reading of Luke 9 and 10, I did not notice that the disciples may have gone forth individually. I noted however, that the 72 (or 70 depending on your translation!), we’re sent in pairs. Thus, my focus was fixed on the fact that the 72 did not take that evangelistic journey alone.
We also note however, that each pair was sent to one of the towns or villages that Y’shua would visit. Unaccompanied travel was not the best option for strangers in those times. It may seem minor to us today, but I imagine the roads were treacherous – physically and socially. We assume that the terrain required some dexterity, and having someone along may have provided support or quick reinforcement.
Further, while it is safe to assume all 72 had the benefit of the same training and anointing, we do know that each person has individual competencies. Scholars suggest that when
Jesus “sent them two by two ahead of Him.” (Luke 10:1) … Advantages emerged [namely]: encouragement, accountability, shared gifts, and an instant legal quorum when testifying. They were each other’s back up, their ‘ride or die’. We realize that traveling in pairs provided them support and security. And, given their excitement at the outcome of their mission, we realize that the pairings worked.
There are possibly other reasons for sending them two by two which were not revealed. However, our Nougat reminds us that in our professional and spiritual lives, there is scope for us to be strengthened by and also to strengthen others. As with the work of sharpening iron, we must offer ourselves to our Matter Farrier, who matches us with those who can strengthen our witness, and whom we can help in theirs.
Point to Ponder
What will we do about those with whom the Saviour has partnered us for ministry? Do we accompany them on their potentially difficult journeys? Will we rely on them when our own strength fails? Selah
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May all we seek be found in Christ
