Matthew 10

These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.” Matthew 10:5-8 NIV

Jesus gave the disciples power to heal and drive out demons.  They were Christ’s ambassadors to the Jews, and this power to heal can be seen as a symbol of the free grace that God offers.  In the same way, we are Christ’s ambassadors in today’s world.  We are blessed by God with the assurance that we will live with Him forever.  As with all blessings, we are asked to pass them on to others: God’s love, forgiveness, mercy and grace to name a few.  In what way has God blessed you lately that you can pass on to others?

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” Matthew 10:16 NIV

Just like Jesus’ disciples, we are in this world as sheep among wolves.  We need to keep ourselves innocent of the world’s vices, but we also need to have the wisdom to make right choices.  We are called to be in this world, but not “of the world.”  This means that we make choices that line up with God’s design for life, regardless of what our culture tries to tell us is acceptable.