Sent out in small groups!

After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. Luke 10:1

Over the years, my wife and I have participated in small groups in our church; these groups have seen God work in and through them in powerful ways. Many times, God has “sent us ... ahead of him” in prayer for what he was about to do, just as Jesus did in today’s Bible passage.

He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” Luke 10:2

People in today's small groups have been sent into the harvest, as well. The father of one of our small group members was terminally ill and an unbeliever. After hearing the good news of Jesus, from his son and from others, the father received salvation several months before passing away. The uncle of another lay in hospice and two days before he died – and able to muster only a whisper – he asked Jesus to forgive him of his sins. When a group member's mother confessed long-held spiritual doubts, several of us invited and accompanied her to an Alpha course, where she came to faith in Christ. And our current small group has helped my wife and me welcome Chinese students into our home and community, so all of us were overjoyed when “the one we least expected” became a Christian earlier this year.

“Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.” Luke 10:3

It is hard to count the number of times we have prayed each other through difficult relationships, and also difficult times in good relationships. Work, family, neighbors, and even church members – all can leave us at wit’s end. But we’ve seen ice thaw in even the most challenging of situations, the love of God warming hearts unto restoration, hearts of others and our own, as well.

“Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God is near you.’” Luke 10:9

For quite some time, we prayed for a group member’s toddler niece, who had leukemia. She was healed and lives today. And we have prayed for several friends and family members struggling with alcohol and drug addictions, later to watch them emerge victorious.

The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:17-18

I believe God is stirring in and through his church – his lambs with authority! – today. I believe he is calling us to be conformed to the truth of his word and that, even as he grows us up into maturity, we are seeing his power unleashed through us and all around us. I believe God wants us to understand what it truly means to be one with him, one in him and one with each other: Christ is our life and we, together, are his body. He who has written our names in heaven, he is the same who lives in us and works through us.

At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, ”I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.” Luke10:21

Jesus has been sending out small groups for quite some time now.  We are still part of the harvest and we still stand in the faith, power and authority he has given us.  And he still jumps for joy at our report.

Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.

The Story - Chapter 24 - No Ordinary Man

Luke 10:41-42 (NLT)
^"But the Lord said to her, "My dear Martha, you are so upset over all these details! There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it—and I won't take it away from her."

What a conversation that must have been!  I can see the scene taking place right in from of me.  Martha has been busy preparing to entertain and feed her guests.  It comes naturally to her for she has the gifts of helps and hospitality and loves to make everyone feel comfortable and at home.

She is starting to get frazzled because she has been working so hard, baking bread and cooking a stew over the fire--which she also had to build and maintain--and she is tiring.  We all get a bit grumpy when we are tired and Martha is no different.  She seems to recognize the importance of her guests and wants to be certain they feel welcome, food and drink are part of that welcome she has planned.

Her sister, Mary, isn't as concerned about the preparations, but is more interested in the conversation.  She doesn't often get to sit in and listen to her friend Jesus talk and she doesn't want to miss a moment.  She is at His feet, soaking it all up. Mary seems to have the gift of faith and maybe prayer.  Like Martha, she is using her gift by listening to every word her Savior is saying.

Who is right, who is wrong?  They are both right in using their respective gifts to serve God and one another.  Sometimes we have to step back and take a good look at the situation.  Had Martha done this she might have realized she was doing what she needed to do, what she had been prepared to do.  She would not have begrudged Mary the opportunity to use her gifts that day. This is a lesson we can take to heart.

The next time I am busy working I will not look to the person who seems to be relaxing and feel like they are not helping at all.  First it isn't my business, second, they are maybe just where they should be--at the feet of Jesus.

Read Luke 10 here

Listen to Luke 10 here