Whatever city you enter and they receive you, eat what is set before you; and heal those in it who are sick, and say to them, “The kingdom of God has come near to you.” But whatever city you enter and they do not receive you, go out into its streets and say, “Even the dust of your city which clings to our feet we wipe off in protest against you; yet be sure of this, that the kingdom of God has come near.” I say to you, it will be more tolerable in that day for Sodom than for that city.
Big View: Person of Peace
Small View: Perception – Permanent Relationship
Steve Diehl
Walnut Creek Friends Church/Forgiveness Ministries – Walnut Creek CA
Observation: I see Jesus telling His disciples to look for where God is working in the lives of those to whom He is sending them and to see whether God has opened a door for further opportunities to minister to them.
Action: I have a neighbor who I chat with occasionally. I am going to invite him to lunch and see if he takes me up on it.
I trust that the Lord walks before me
1. Food is so important. Every tribe and nation has its favorites. It’s often strange to me; just eat and smile!
2. Invite people out…so easy. Invite people into my home…harder. Do both!
observation: the disciples don’t go having it all, they come with what they have, Jesus. they come also as those with need. they receive from those they meet with, indicating there is a give and take. those we are in relationship with have something of value we can receive, they want to serve us with good they have the same as we do them.
action: this week as i watch for persons of peace whether they are passing or permanent relationships, i am going to keep in mind i want to create space for others to give and for me to receive from others. in doing so, i communicate they are persons not only i value, but they know i too can receive good from them even as they receive from me. it models and creates relationship, which is what God is inviting them into through my life.