Most of us envision church as something to go to on Sunday morning. We hear sermons, sing songs and talk to the same people, while remaining unchanged and oftentimes bored. Our main focus becomes programs, maintaining the building and limiting ministry to those in our congregation. Is this what ministry is all about? Does God have a more exciting and fulfilling ministry for you and me? Luke 10 provides guidance on your adventurous journey toward gospel of the kingdom ministry. It’s more exciting than riding the largest wave on a surfboard, making that million dollar sale, experiencing the thrill of victory or getting an A on that final test.
Jesus appointed 70 and sent them in groups of two to every city and place where He was going to come. He asked them to beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest as lambs in the midst of wolves (Lk. 10:1-3). Prayerwalk an area first by asking God to send out laborers into His harvest field.
Carry no money or supplies and not greet anyone on the way. Whatever city you enter, stay and don’t leave a house containing a man of peace until peace rests and remains there (Lk. 10:3-8). Trust God’s provision as you invest time discipling men and women of peace in homes among their networks.
Heal those who are sick and say, “The kingdom of God has come near to you.” If they don’t listen, their judgment would be worse than Tyre and Sidon by going to Hades. One who listens to you listens to Me and one who rejects you rejects Me (Lk. 10:9-16). God’s holistic miracles of healing authenticate your ministry to those who experience God’s kingdom.
After the 70 told Jesus the demons were subject to them in His name, He said he watched Satan fall from heaven like lightning and gave authority over the enemy so nothing would injure them. They rejoiced that their names were recorded in heaven instead of the spirits being subjected to them. Jesus rejoiced that the Father hid these things from the wise and intelligent and revealed them to anyone the Son willed. Many prophets and kings wished they could see these things but did not hear them (Lk. 10:17-24). Disciplemakers offer feedback to their disciples to maintain their proper priorities.
After a lawyer asked what He should do to inherit eternal life, Jesus said to love God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind and your neighbor as yourself. Jesus told the parable about the Good Samaritan who felt compassion on the person who had been robbed as he passed by. He bandaged wounds, poured oil, put him on his own beast, brought him to an inn and took care of him. He gave two denarii to the innkeeper while he went away (Lk. 10:25-37). Show compassion in ministering to peoples’ real needs as they come across your path who could be men and women of peace.
Martha offered hospitality as she welcomed Jesus into her home. Her sister, Mary, listened to the Lord’s word, seated at His feet. Martha was distracted with all her preparations and compassionate service toward the needy. Jesus said she was worried and bothered about so many things, but Mary chose the good part (Lk. 10:38-42). Prioritize your relationship with Christ to remove distractions from your purpose in ministry.
Rate yourself on the following steps toward gospel of kingdom ministry on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being lowest and 10 highest):
1. Prayerwalk an area first by asking God to send out laborers into the harvest field (neighborhood, business, etc.).
2. Trust God’s provision as you disciple men and women of peace (laborers).
3. Allow God’s miracles to authenticate your ministry to those receptive to the gospel of the kingdom.
4. Offer feedback so your disciples maintain their proper priorities.
5. Show compassion to those with real needs as they come across your path who could be men and women of peace.
6. Prioritize your relationship with Christ so you don’t get distracted from your purpose.
Ask the Holy Spirit to keep you on track on the above steps toward gospel of kingdom ministry.
