January 14

Genesis 30:1-31:16; Matthew 10:1-25; Psalm 12:1-8; Proverbs 3:13-15

Do you remember arriving for your first day of class? The teacher begins to take a roll call or attendance of everyone that is supposed to be there, “Adams… Butterfield… Campos…” hopefully your name is on the list. I think sometimes we are waiting to see if we are on the list of disciples called by God to share the gospel. Guess what? YOUR NAME IS ON THE LIST!!! (Mark 16:15)

In today’s New Testament scripture reading (Matt. 10:1-25), Jesus calls His disciples into the harvest of ministry. Not only does He call them, He promises to equip them with everything they will need to succeed.

I appreciate that Jesus called each one by name. He may call all of His children to preach the gospel to all the world but He calls us all individually by name and into a specific field. I love that He knows my name. That may not be a big thing to you but it means the world to me. I even like the way Matthew describes his own name in verse 3, “Matthew the publican” none of the other gospels describe him that way. I think it was Matthew’s way of acknowledging his own sinful past and how much he did not deserve to be in the list. Jesus knows the reasons why we should not be on the list, He does not care. Guess what? YOUR NAME IS ON THE LIST!!!

So, if your name is on the list, what does that mean? This passage describes to us that if your name is on the list, you have been given the place, power and authority to accomplish the work God has called you to do. Jesus didn’t just send them anywhere; he sent them with a specific mission. Hillcrest we have been given a mission together. He also gave them the power and authority to accomplish the specific work He had for them to do. As they preached the gospel, He gave them the power to heal the sick, raise the dead and cast out devils. How many people can we list that need healing, new life, deliverance for their hearts, minds and souls? What about you? Is YOUR NAME ON THE LIST!!!

There are many lessons in the 10th chapter but to finish today let me leave you with these two thoughts. In calling and sending the 12 disciples Jesus encouraged them (verses 8-10) to freely give as they had freely received and not to worry about their money, resources or support. We are exceedingly grateful to the Lord for all His mercy and grace. If you are like Matthew and me, you know how much you do not deserve to be on the list. You know that without God’s guidance, authority and power we can never accomplish what He has called us to do. But, guess what Hillcrest? YOUR NAME IS ON THE LIST!!!

Blessings,
Pastor David