Recall:
Genesis 50:19-21
Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid. Do I act for God? Don’t you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now—life for many people. Easy now, you have nothing to fear; I’ll take care of you and your children.” He reassured them, speaking with them heart-to-heart.
Matthew 10:5-10
Jesus sent his twelve harvest hands out with this charge:
“Don’t begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers. And don’t try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously.
“Don’t think you have to put on a fund-raising campaign before you start. 10 You don’t need a lot of equipment. You are the equipment, and all you need to keep that going is three meals a day. Travel light.
Reflect:
'Til the very end, Joseph continued to get it. Forgiveness. Not for the sake of the one forgiven, although it is quite beneficial to them--but for the sake of the one forgiven. Un-forgiveness blocks, forgiveness opens up the channels of life and blessing.
Don't worry about the fund-raiser! I love that! "Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here." It is so easy. But how does that fit in with the way we do church now. There is no guarantee built in to the charge. Jesus told those sent that they would have enough for three meals a day, not enough to maintain their buildings and programs.
Respond:
Well, I don't have the luxury of figuring out how this works out in the end, all I can do is obey--tell people the kingdom is here.
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