GOD LOVED THE WORLD SO MUCH…..

The Lord says, “I am the vine and you are the branches.  Whoever remains in Me and I in Him will bear much fruit, for you can do nothing without Me.” (John 15:15)

The Sovereign Lord chose and preserved Blessed Mary, His beloved daughter to be the Mother of His Son, Jesus Christ.  She conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and gave birth to Jesus in a stable in Bethlehem. Little Jesus lived in Nazareth obedient to His mother and foster father St. Joseph.  He lived a quite life, grew both in body and wisdom gaining favor with God and men.  At the appropriate time of the Almighty Father for His mission, John the Baptist was appointed by God to prepare the straight path for the Lord to introduce Jesus Christ to the people saying, “There is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”

In the past God spoke to our ancestors many times and in many ways through prophets, but in these last days He has been vocal to us through His beloved Son Jesus Christ. 

You are acquainted with the message He sent to the people of Israel proclaiming the good news of peace through Jesus Christ who is the Lord of all.  Beginning in Galilee, the great event took place throughout the land of Israel.  He went everywhere doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil. 

The Evangelist St. Luke beautifully narrates that Jesus went through the towns and villages of Jerusalem teaching and preaching the Good News. (Luke 13)

Meanwhile, He called and gathered His disciples and taught them.  The moment they heard the call, they left all their belongings and joined Jesus Christ.  Let us look at the Lord’s academy in the true light of scripture - they were sent two by two to the world ahead of Him to every place and town where He Himself was to go.  Just as mothers instruct their children when sending them to school, so also Jesus gave some instructions and advises to his disciples. 

Dear ones in Christ, I wish to drawn your attention to His instructions. 

Let us imagine seventy two of His disciples marching out two by two in different direction – the sight brings us immense joy which is inexpressible. 

Lord Jesus must have been so content and from the depth of His heart glorified Sovereign God the Father.  Both might have saluted each other and the Father may have applauded His Son’s hands. 

The third person, the innocent Dove must have flapped His wings and danced around Them. 

What a heartfelt vision!

 Truly tears of victory overflows.  May the Name above all names; the Supreme Lord Jesus be praised, honored, glorified by all people from every tribe, language, nation and race.  Alleluia!  Amen!

The Gospel is not describing why He sent His disciples two by two, together.  But as you go through His teachings one of the main reason for this is in line with His Promise, “Whenever two of you on earth agree about anything you pray for, it will be done for you by my Father in Heaven.”  (Matthew 18:19). 

So also God our Father created woman because He found that it was not good for one to be alone.  Two is the minimum number to avoid being unaccompanied and lonely. 

He said to His disciples, “Be wise and careful.  I am sending you like lambs among the wolves.”  Thus it can also be for the protection for each other in case of danger. 

He further warned them, “Don’t take a purse, a beggar’s bag or shoes.  Don’t look here and there or don’t stop to greet anyone on the road.”  The extreme simplicity of His Mission gives us firm confidence of His Word of God. “Seek His Kingdom, rest all will be added!”

Yes, dear ones, little water or some bites in a bag are not a luxury.  It shows the perfect submissiveness and refuge the Teacher has in His Perfect Father and the disciples were to gain the same refuge through obedience.

Lord Jesus permitted them to carry only bare minimum essential things - a pair of sandals to walk,  a staff to defend oneself against dangerous animals, a garment that could be put on at the time of departure. 

Then again the Master advised them, “Listen, whenever you go into a house, first say, “Peace be with this house.”  If a peace loving man lives there let your greeting of peace remain on him.”  Welcoming a person to your home, greeting each other is the entry of Lord Jesus – the King of Peace. 

As per your faith and behavior, His peace will transform your home.  He is the true way to your prosperity.  Lord Jesus did not send His disciples to synagogues, to kings or leaders or to towns.  He sent them to ordinary people’s home – to all homes, none were excluded, except those who rejected them. 

He reminds them about those who reject them, to have the dust from their feet wiped off against them.  What does this mean?

 It emphasizes silently, “We don’t have anything in common with you.” 

God’s chosen disciples are the reflection of Lord Jesus.  Outwardly they may not be attractive or you may find no qualities of this world such as extra smartness, but they are kept separate to get detached of all worldly ways but inwardly they are like sunshine.

As per the instructions of their Master, they were finally sent, after being given authority to heal the sick and drive out the devil.  They went out and preached that people should turn away from their sins.

                                                                                                            ( to be continued…..)

With love filled blessings,

Your Sister in Christ