Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart: https://sothrichfield.podbean.com
Matthew 10:1-10 (NIV)
10 Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. 2 These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. 5 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. 6 Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. 7 As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. 9 “Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts— 10 no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep.
Today’s text gave life direction to Francis of Assisi.
What directions, if any, does the text give you?
Write down the direction God may be asking you to take.
Lord, I read these verses and I am amazed that the disciples were sent out into the world without anything but trusted that You would provide for all their needs. I don’t even go on vacation without knowing exactly where I am staying and where I am going, I can’t imagine just going out not prepared for my daily food and lodging. When I look at my life, I have contingency plans to cover different things that may happen in my life in the future. Lord, I realize that no matter how well I plan, life can change in a flash where I am put in a position where I am unprepared. Help me to not put my faith in my plans but to put my total faith and trust in You. The time may come when all I have is my trust in You. No matter what happens in life, You will always be with me and will guide me especially as I faithfully serve. Thank You for that confidence that I can always trust and depend on You. Amen