Mission Accomplished
“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore, be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Matthew 10:16
Have you ever dreamed about being a superhero? Someone who rescues lost and hurting people? Someone who comes on the scene at just the right moment in time to pull others out of trouble and give them hope again?
In today’s reading, Jesus sent His disciples to rescue the lost sheep of Israel. The way Jesus explained the mission to he disciples made it pretty clear that it was going to be a tough assignment. He told them that they would be persecuted, delivered up to councils, scourged in their synagogues and brought before kings and governors. He wrapped up the details of the journey by saying they would be hated by all because of Jesus’ name, but to endure through it all to the end, then they would be saved.
This does not sound like good news to me, but if I take a closer look at the text, there is a couple subtle words of His message to keep them inspired along the way. First of all, He told them that they are going out as sheep among wolves. Even though this is a frightening picture, He explained that they could be smarter than the wolves and still be harmless as doves. By their subtle clever methods, they would be able to gather some lost sheep without even being noticed by the “wolves” waiting to devour them.
Next, He encouraged them that when they are brought before their persecutors, don’t worry about what to say because the Holy Spirit will speak in them. Lastly, He assured them that the covered things would be revealed, and the hidden will be seen. It will all be clear and plain to them at just the right moments.
My question in this part of Jesus’ ministry has always been: Why would they want to go after He told them about all these awful things that could happen? However, after reading it this morning, it reminded me of something out of a spy movie. It is like when the hero gets the mission they are told: Here is your mission. If you choose to accept it, there will be dangers and troubles along the way. You will have to go out among wolves that want to destroy you. You will be brought before councils and kings. But don’t worry about that, your advocate will let you know what to say to them. Even your family members may rise up against you and you will be hated by all people because of the name you are doing the mission in. But hang in there until the end and you are guaranteed to accomplish what you have been sent to do. Now, having changed my perspective, it sounds pretty exciting! Just like in the theatre, The leading role gets to save the day, or in this case bring others to the Savior.
So now comes the most exciting part! You have actually been given a mission too! If you choose to accept it, you can be guaranteed there will be troubles and dangers along the way. It is an important mission intended to rescue many people. Stick with your mission and the One who sent you, so your mission will be accomplished, and you will be able to rejoice with Him in the end.
Today I want to encourage you to accept your mission. Go before your Heavenly Father and tell Him you are ready to go. Wait for your instructions and prepare for the dangers ahead. Watch for the warning and be wise to the traps of your enemy. Do not be afraid when you are confronted, the Holy Spirit, your divine Commander, will give you the right responses. Then endure, press on and continue until you have successfully rescued the ones assigned to you. It will be exciting, and you will have some troubling times along the way. But it will all be worth it because it will be the greatest adventure you have ever been on and at the end you will be able to say: “Mission accomplished.”
Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 10:16-26
16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
17 But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues.
18 You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.
19 But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak;
20 for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.
21 “Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death.
22 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.
23 When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
24 “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.
25 It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household!
26 Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.
The Daily Dose 