At times we may feel that what we offer to the world is of no value. But it depends on whose meter stick we’re using. As believers, our standard is Y’shua. Hence, we must get to the point where we accept that our greatest gift is what Christ does through us. When we go forth in His name towns can be transformed for God’s glory. Consider Today’s Holy Nougat.
Luke 10:8-9 CEVDCI
[8] If the people of a town welcome you, eat whatever they offer.
[9] Heal their sick and say, “God’s kingdom will soon be here!”
Receive then Transform
Our Nougat is clear. Y’shua has not called us solely for our salvation. We are called for God’s purpose. When we receive support from our hosts, we give back from our bounty. The bounty we offer however, is not quantified materially. That’s why we travel without money, cloak, etc. What we do offer is so much more: we offer evidence of God’s kingdom in their midst.
Self-Check
Have we considered that in praying for God’s kingdom to come on earth, it must be revealed through us?
Application
Having been received in a town, and settled in with our hosts, our task is to demonstrate that God’s kingdom can come here on earth. That’s where the business of effecting God’s transformation becomes essential. It is not enough for us to visit a town, city or country in the name of the Lord (i.e., a believers) if things remain normal. Our presence must be felt in what we say and do. In other words, we not only speak God’s peace, but the signs that accompany us should manifest God’s peace, thereby pointing to God’s kingdom.
Some of us stutter, like Moses in his encounter with YHWH at the back end of the wilderness (see Genesis 3), ‘I’m not a healer’. Perhaps it’s because we forgot that we’re not representing ourselves. Rather we are emissaries of the true and living God. Equipped with God’s Spirit, we are called to heal broken bodies, minds, and spirits. Our obedience ignites God’s transforming power in others so that when invited to join us in anticipating God’s kingdom, their response is yes.
Yes to healing, yes to peace, yes to being engaged in service for God’s glory. That is what we offer. It is far more valuable than we can imagine. And the world is literally dying for want of our gifts in Christ. Are we prepared to transform lives after receiving hospitality?
Point to Ponder
As God’s agents of transformation wherever we are sent, are we living up to God’s plan for our lives? How readily can others hear about and see God’s kingdom at work when they are in our presence?
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May all we seek be found in Christ
