January 09, 2020: SOAP #3689:  Genesis 23-24; Luke 9

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 9:1  When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3 He told them: “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic. 4 Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. 5 If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them.”

Observation:  In the second verse above there is a word that always catches my attention.  It is commonly used to describe Jesus.  Most of the times it is Jesus describing Himself.  This is clearly how Jesus saw, or considered Himself.  It is the word “sent.”

In the passage above we find the “Sent” One sending His disciples.  The One sent from the Father was sending them.

Application:  For ten years I was sent by the US Navy.  I went where they sent me and fulfilled the responsibilities they assigned me.  When I was in Viet Nam, the US Navy provided everything I needed: food, clothing, transportation, supplies, my schedule, for housing a poncho or tent, etc.

God had specifically sent me to leave Bible College and join the Navy, so I considered the assignments from the Navy to be from Him.

In my life, I have found God to be a better Sender than the US Navy.  I have also found God to be a better Provider than the US Navy.

Prayer:  Jesus, when I called you Lord, I gave you permission to send me wherever you decided would be best.  I am discovering that what you see as best for the kingdom is also best for me.  You are the Sender and I am the sent.   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!