The Gospel in Word and Deed
Scripture Reading — Luke 9:1-9
He told them: “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt."
— Luke 9:3
God has called you for a mission, and he has equipped you with everything you need to carry it out.
When Jesus called the disciples, he gave them all they needed to minister on his behalf in the towns and villages. He enabled them to preach the kingdom of God and heal people everywhere. There was no need to bring anything else along to complete that mission. He sent them with instructions to accept people’s hospitality as God’s provision for them. They were to stay with people who received them, developing relationships and being content with what they were given. But if rejection happened, they were to move on, warning people about rejecting the truth. They had to move on because time was short and the mission was great.
Jesus’ ministry is still about word and deed. We have been empowered to serve in these critical areas. The message is powerful, and our words must be spoken with acts of compassion for a world that needs to hear the good news. But to teach that God loves sinners means little if we do not also show God’s love by helping to meet human needs.
We have all that we need to fulfill our calling as Christ-followers. Let’s be faithful in sharing his message with words and actions. And let’s trust the results to the powerful work of the Holy Spirit.
Father, make us passionate about the mission you have given us. Guide us to be faithful with the good news and the new life you have given us, sharing your love with others. Amen.
About the author — Lloyd Wicker
Lloyd Wicker has been a pastor for more than eighteen years and has served churches in Illinois, Washington, and California. He currently serves as a chaplain with the United States Navy in Sicily. Lloyd and his wife, Heidi, have three children.
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