16 OCT 23 Monday: A Closer Walk Devotional
“If it turns out to be a worthy home, let your blessing stand; if it is not, take back the blessing. If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave.” Matt. 10:13-14
Salespeople expect rejection because it comes with the territory. Have you ever spent time shopping for an item that you wanted to buy? You look at different stores, online, and check prices, availability, etc., before making a decision. Those that are trying to get you to purchase that item know if you are serious or not. They don’t waste their time on certain clients because they have the experience to know if you are ready or just kicking the tires.
In our gospel reading today, Jesus gives the newly dubbed Apostles a mission in order to help them become competent and confident in the role of messengers and ministers. They were to work on their Ph.D., preaching, healing, and deliverance. They were sent specially to the towns and villages that Jesus was planning to go to. They would experience firsthand what Jesus was doing. They saw Jesus model it, they have assisted in it, and now they are doing it.
Jesus told them they some would receive them and their message and others will not. This is important in order to sure up their expectations and to give them an understanding of what to do when things don’t go their way. I like to look at it like a street light in which there are red, yellow, and green lights. Each light represents a response that you might get. Red is a rejection or ‘talk to the hand’ type response. They don’t want anything to do with you or the message.
Yellow and Green lights are those that receive you and want to know more. The Scriptures show there are always some, few, or many that respond. Jesus tells them basically, if you get a green or yellow light bless them and stay with that family. If you get a red light, don’t waste your time with them, just move on. Sounds harsh, doesn't it? No. God prepares the hearts of mankind to be ready to receive the good news. If they are not prepared, there is nothing you can do.
Are you wasting your time on certain people?
Reading Plan: Psalm 1, 2, 3; Jer. 36:11-26; 1 Cor. 13:1-13; Matt. 10:1-15
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