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Matthew 10:40-42
Jesus has come to the conclusion of His instructions for His disciples/apostles as He is about to send them out into the world to proclaim, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 10:7, NKJV). He gives blessing to His apostles as He states in Matthew 10:40, “He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.” He also gives blessing for those who will receive His apostles as ultimately the blessing is for all humanity, even though at this time Jesus is sending His apostles out to only the, “lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 10:6).
This is a promise of blessing for those who share the gospel message.
This is a promise of blessing for those who receive the message of the gospel.
Jesus is sending His disciples/apostles out to share the gospel with the house of Israel, but He would eventually send His apostles to preach the gospel to the world of the Gentiles/everyone who is not of the house of Israel (Acts 9:1-22, 10:9-11:18). He has prepared His apostles for the mission in which He is sending them – He has given them the guidance and instruction that they will need to rely on to be successful in completing the mission that Jesus has given them.
We too are to spread the gospel message today, in this world, in our time, in our lives as we seek God’s will for our lives and live in obedience to Him. The Bible teaches us in 1 Peter 3:13-19 (NIV), “Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened” [(Isaiah 8:12)]. But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”
Dear LORD,
As we accept Your will for our lives and open our hearts to the instructions given by our Lord and Savior Jesus, we are becoming Your voice in this world today, in our lifetime here on earth. Please give us the strength to follow in the words of the apostle Peter and fear not of the threats of this world, but be strong in giving reason for the hope that we have in Christ Jesus, and that we would relay that message with a clear conscience and the gentleness of our Savior, so that we all may receive our eternal reward in heaven. In Jesus name I pray, amen.