Luke 10:1-12
Just before Jesus sends out the 72 "others", he gives them some interesting instructions. He encourages them with the phrase, "Behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves" (vs. 3). I am sure they were wondering what in the world this could possibly mean. So Jesus goes on to show us what this means, clarifying his statement, using the terms lamb, laborer, and little child. A lamb, when being sent out, does not carry any type of provision with him, no money or food or extra clothing. A lamb simply goes with what he has been given, trusting that the rest will be added as needed, not as desired and wanted (vs. 4). And Jesus reassures them that what they need (physical, tangible needs such as shelter and food) will be provided, by telling them that a dwelling and food will open up upon arrival, and that they will be led specifically where to stay (vs. 5-8). Look at the language Jesus uses: remain in the house, eat what is set before you (vs. 7, 8), a laborer will receive wages (vs. 7). Is this not Jesus telling them that they will receive what they need? Don't take any provision, he says, because as you go shelter and food will be provided you, I am telling you this ahead of time. Do not let these things slow down your going or prevent your going, simply let Jesus work these out, you just go as led (vs. 2). How comforting to know that before we even go, the Father has worked out a specific place to house us, where we will be welcomed and fed for the duration of our stay (vs. 5, 8), even if the a majority of the place or city rejects us (vs. 10). We will be provided for, no debate, because we are laborers, lambs, sent out by the Father to do his work (preach the gospel of the kingdom) and he guarantees our wages ahead of time, whether our message is accepted or not, whether there is fruit or not. Success in our ministry does not dictate provision from our Father, obedience does. This is why Jesus rejoices in our child-like attitude and nature (vs. 21). A child does not plan for the future or arrange for things ahead of time, that is absurd. A child simply rejoices in the presence of his Father, excited to be with the Father wherever he goes. Jesus said to ask the Father to send out laborers (vs. 2), and a child-like laborer (lamb) rejoices when called and sent by the Father, knowing he is not going alone or going without because a child knows, beyond doubt, that a Father provides and accompanies, rendering provision a non-concern. It is the "wise" and "mature" adult who pre-plans and arranges ahead of time for the future, and in reality disobeys God, missing out on his true provision and leading, because a person such as this cannot hear God's voice and cannot discern his leadings, only children can (vs. 21, 22). Only the Son can interpret these things and relay them to us, and he will only do this for children. We may read this and think how difficult and surely not intended for all. Besides, look at the Old Testament, they were rich and wealthy and never hardly went without. They were kings living in castles, plundering their enemies great treasures, enjoying wisdom and blessing from God. He never told them to give up everything they have and to make no provision. In fact he told them to store up and save and make provision. We will point to Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, Joseph, Daniel, etc., great leaders and advisers, kings and prophets who enjoyed luxuries during their lifetime. But even these great men longed for what we have today (vs. 23-24). This lifestyle of trusting God fully, of giving up everything we have for Jesus' sake, to have his Holy Spirit living inside us and not worrying about provision, to have him send us out to labor for him, forsaking wealth and treasure for the Father is a life they only dreamed of and would gladly have given up all their luxury for. This life we despise and ignore and justify as irresponsible, is the envy of all generations, including the angels in heaven (I Peter 1:12). God's call to leave behind everything and venture out in complete trust in him, to be led by his very own Spirit, is nothing to be taken for granted or trampled and rejected by our indignation, insecurity and immaturity. We (the church) have been given the keys to heaven (Matthew 16:18-19), how could we refuse this? Only because of self (pride), the same reason Satan refused it (vs. 18-20). Will we align ourselves with the mature, the wise and learned in this life, the enemy? Or align ourselves with the foolish laborers, the unwise lambs and the immature little children?
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