Go

Matthew 10:5-15 (NRSV)

Cure without payment

These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, proclaim the good news, 'The kingdom of heaven has come near.' Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment. Take no gold, or silver, or copper in your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for laborers deserve their food. Whatever town or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy, and stay there until you leave. As you enter the house, greet it. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town. Truly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town. 

During my first week of Seminary, during our orientation (called Prologue) we were sent out into the community of Mt. Airy in Philadelphia in small packs.  I was in a group of four.  We weren't sent to heal or cast out demons, but just to be present.  To engage in conversation.  To remind ourselves, and the community, that the Seminary was a part of that community.

It was scary.

So, I have to admit for all those times I think to myself when I read the Gospels, "those disciples…they just don't get it," I honestly have to admire their courage.  Jesus sending pep talk is a bit intimidating and yet it is also one full of trust.

Jesus send the twelve without reservation.  His instructions are clear, and though difficult perhaps in execution, simple in explanation.

And that's the thing.  Sometimes I think we get really wrapped up in doing our ministry the right way, and those ways are often complex and strategized and planned with the resources we think we need.  But everything really in this text hinges for me on this:  "Go and proclaim the good news."

Don't worry so much about the trappings.  Trust that God will provide what we need.  Easier said than done, I know.  But what we've been provided with is a treasure.  It's good to remember that.

Loving Lord:  You provide what we need to go out and make disciples of all nations.  As churches struggle with resources and membership, remind us that it is your good news that is really all we need.  Amen