Highlights In Today's Reading:
Importance of witnessing, (10:1-19). Most-important Commandment (10:27) and question (10:29). How to pray (11:1-13)! Let your light shine (11:33-36). Insincere, self-righteous life condemned by Jesus (11:42-54).
Jesus had chosen the 12 Apostles (6:13-16). Now He appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before His face into every city and place, whither He Himself would come. Therefore said He unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He would send forth labourers into His harvest . . . I send you forth as lambs among wolves (10:1-3).
Jesus cautioned that His disciples would not always be accepted and would often meet with opposition. And, in a similar way, He sends us out today dependent upon the Holy Spirit for our provision, protection, and guidance.
The miracle of salvation makes each of us responsible to reach others with the Good News of eternal life provided by our Savior. Whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again (10:5-6). As Christ's followers we should express His love and humility when confronted with hostility.
We are healers of divisions, making every effort to be peacemakers, but not at the price of compromising biblical truth. The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated (seeking reconciliation), full of mercy and good fruits (James 3:17). Our Lord reminds us: If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peacably with all men (Rom. 12:18).
We should not be surprised when we face opposition for living a godly life, for Jesus said: If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you (John 15:19-20). But, Christ endured the cross, despising (ignoring) the shame (Heb. 12:2), He saw beyond the cross to the crown.
Far from being downcast or murmuring at the hostility of the religious or secular world, we should rejoice in the high honor of suffering for His Name's sake.
Jesus said that because of our loyalty, obedience, and refusal to compromise His eternal Truth, the world will revile you . . . and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven (Matt. 5:11-12).
Thought for Today:
I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day (II Tim. 1:12).
Word Studies:
10:40 cumbered about much serving =frustrated over all she had to do; 10:41 careful =overly concerned; 11:8 importunity =persistence; 11:39 ravening =greed, covetousness; 11:46 lade =load; 11:53 vehemently =fiercely.
Cross References:
For Luke 10:27: See Lev. 19:18. Luke 10:28: See Lev. 18:5.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Radio Sri Lanka International Shortwave Broadcasts for the week sponsored by Kathryn McKee • Country: Iceland (272,000) at the northern end of the Atlantic • Major language: Icelandic • Religious freedom • 94% Protestant; 6% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Encourage others to praise the Lord throughout the day (Ps. 67:5).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 15:20