Song “Spirit of God unseen as the Wind” https://youtu.be/v4uPDddZ7yw
God who sets us on a journey
To discover, dream and grow,
Lead us as you led your people
In the desert long ago.
We say the Lords Prayer in our own language
Song “A new Commandment I give unto you” https://youtu.be/yy7W8avIXIY
Reflection on Luke 10v1-11
Jesus now sends out 70 others in addition to the twelve disciples on a mission beyond. Seventy was the traditional Jewish number for the nations of the world. They were to go in pairs. In Jewish culture the testimony of two witnesses settles a matter. They were to go as heralds to those villages and towns and places that Jesus intended to visit.
The times are urgent and they are to rely on prayer and leaning on God. But it will be dangerous. These Seventy were like lambs in the middle of wolves.
There may have been a pattern with wandering Jewish patterns but Jesus gives it a unique touch. They were to just go without packing. Can you imagine just going on away without packing! They are to carry no money! No foreign currency. They were not to take spare clothes or shoes.
And they are to be focused and concentrate on their task, to greet no one. Don’t go visiting friends and relatives. They had work to do.
Where they are welcomed they are to give their peace, their blessing, Gods Shalom, to the household. God’s peace will be on him or her. This was normal practice for a first century Jew. The peace gives God's eternal peace upon those who are people of peace, Gods people are people of peace. Peacemakers. Those who turn from their ways will be blessed.
They were to accept the hospitality of households and eat whatever was set before them, in other words ignore Jewish dietary laws. Food will have ranged from the basics of a poor family to the strict food requirements maintained in the home of a Pharisee. Mission depends on good hospitality!
They are to show by your actions, healing people and by telling them the good news that the kingdom of God has come near to you.
They are to go into the streets, squares and market places.
For people who are hostile or negative they are to shake the sand off your sandals and leave. Replicating some Jews who shook off the dust off his feet when leaving Gentile territory.
The mission is mixed in its effect but they come back rejoicing. Authority has been given to them to trample on snakes and scorpians, the devils minions.
The times are no less urgent and no less dangerous. We are Gods peacemakers, we have a narrative to share and good news and we need to celebrate together over food and to share healing. And to live a simple lifestyle. Amen
We pray for our world our families and friends.
Song “Beauty for Brokenness” https://youtu.be/08utbDFP9AE
Give us your vision that we lack
Help us to cherish only what we really need
Choosing treasure that will last. Amen
Song “The Spirit lives to set us free” https://youtu.be/SDcbYk-9C-Y
