He who listens to you listens to me; he who rejects you rejects me; but he who rejects me rejects him who sent me.
Luke 10:16
Jesus told the disciples that the harvest was plentiful but the workers were few. (Luke 10:2) Jesus knew that His disciples would not be received everywhere they went and forewarned them: When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is set before you. Heal the sick who are there and tell them: “The kingdom of God is near you.” But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say: “Even the dust of your town that sticks to our feet we wipe off against you.” (vv.8-11)
Whenever God’s Word goes out, the enemy begins to stir up trouble because God’s Word in our lives is active and transforming. As we testify to God’s faithfulness in our lives, the message is often opposed. Jesus told His disciples to heal the sick to bring evidence that His kingdom was near, but to leave any place that His kingdom was not received. In the gospel of Luke,
Jesus tells His disciples that when they are rejected, it is the same as rejecting Him. (Luke 10:16)
Throughout the Scriptures, Paul spoke about God’s faithfulness.
Some people responded positively, but some became jealous and fearful.
In the city of Iconium, Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue where they would share the message about Christ. They spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed. But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against their brothers. (Acts 14:1-2) Wherever the gospel is preached, there will be those who respond and those who oppose the message. Paul writes that the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to those who choose to believe, it brings the power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:18)
As we share the gospel of Christ, it is easy to despair when people do not respond positively. The truth is that our responsibility is only to share the “good news” of Christ. We cannot control the response of others. Paul recognized that his eloquent speech and persuasive words had no effect on people. He knew that it was the power of God to reach the people. (1 Corinthians 2:4)
Remember that it is our responsibility only to share His Word, but it is God’s work that brings His Word to fruition. The most powerful message to others is a message without words – it is the power of a transformed life.
As people see the change in you as you grow in Christ, it will impact them in ways you never imagined!
Heavenly Father,
Fill me with Your power to spread Your Word. Help me to remember that I am only the messenger and that You will cause the seeds that I plant to grow.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
