I am introducing a new article series called “Dwelling in Scripture”. This is my process of a devotional of sorts. I will invite you into my heart as I read scripture, not to prepare a sermon or lesson. But to hear from God. If you would like to join me I am selecting the passages given, reading and meditating on them for 30 minutes, and then writing what I hear from God. This is a very raw form of writing so forgive grammatical errors. I am writing what I feel and hear from God. Share what you hear from God in the comments.

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I chose the passage of Matthew 10:1-19 for this week. I chose the Christian Standard Bible as a translation so that I might see something new. I was very easily distracted when beginning this passage because I wanted to start doing exegetical work on the passage but once calm I noticed what I believe I was supposed to notice from God on this reading of this passage at this time. My first thoughts were focused on the authority given by Jesus to the twelve over unclean spirits. I thought deeply about what it means to be given something that you did not previously have, especially over something that was so debilitating for many common people in this time. The next thing that caught my attention was the specificity in which Jesus has in His instructions. He tells them don’t take the road to the Gentiles, stay away from Samaritan towns, and instead go to the house of Israel. From this I feel a sense of comfort in knowing that God stays true to His promise made to Abraham and His people. Jesus has come to take care of the house of Israel first before extending the invitation, I am happy for that. I am next moved by the fact that Jesus does not send them out blindly. That is comforting for me. I have what I need to know in order to be sent. He tells them how to behave, what frame of mind to be in, and how to handle failure. I pause for a moment when they are told in verse 11 “...find out who is worthy…”. I allow the negative self-talk in my heart. I say within myself and write in my notes, “This would be hard to decipher because I often feel unworthy. But based on verses 13-14, it seems as though worthiness is based on hearing and obeying. I am worthy and those that listen and obey are too!” Jesus gives the outcome of the unworthy, due to self-inflicted wounds, and it lets me know that he does not want us to dwell on our mission on things out of our control. The last portion of the passage causes me to feel great relief. He does not allow them to enlist for service without laying it out plainly to see. I think to myself that Jesus would not have been a great military recruiter but He was great at this. He prepares their heart once more before the physical actions or any words are spoken to those who would be sought out.

What day should I release this? Let me know in the comments…

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