December 17 Before the Lord

Luke 10:1 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.
 
OUR Lord appointed 72 gospel ministers for a “short-term mission” into Judean villages Jesus would pass through on his way to Jerusalem. The Twelve are not included here because their task is to walk with their Lord in his final weeks on earth. But let’s see three ways Jesus and the 72 demonstrate a succinct picture of discipleship. 1) The Lord appoints certain people to minister. 2) Jesus sends them to specific places. 3) They respond his appointing and direction to go “to every town and place where he was about to go”.
   Do you call Jesus, “Lord”? Rejoice then; he has appointed you: John 15:16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit –  fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Live in awe he has counted you worthy to be a good news messenger. 
   Do you enter each day seeking to know where the Lord is sending you? Be assured, the Spirit empowers you: Acts 8:29 The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”  A listening disciple can be sure where to walk with the Lord.
   Do you respond to his direction? Acts 8:30 Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. Be eager to “run” when the Lord says, “Go.”
   Do you desire to prepare each person you know for the day Jesus will stand before them? Be constant; your work is eternal: Acts 8:35 Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. True disciples prepare God’s own to stand before the Lord: Luke 21:33-36 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. 34 “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”
   As Jesus has graciously appointed you, he has sent you to appoint and prepare others for his Kingdom to come. Give praise to God for his love, grace and life in you. Honor the Lord Jesus with your Spirit-empowered life and love for his people to whom he sends you.
 
Prayer: Gracious God, you have appointed me out of your own good desire. I am so thankful to be your disciple. I pray my love for others honors you. In Jesus’ name, amen.