Luke 10:1-11

“Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house!’ And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you.” vss. 5-6

When Jesus sent out the 70 in mission they were traveling in a world that looks very different from our own. They walked in pairs along rural roads, and stopped in villages with dusty streets to cure the sick and bring the good news of the kingdom of God. It’s hard for us to even relate to their mission. Yet in one way their mission was identical to ours–it required personal connection! When they entered a house they were to say, “Peace to this house,” and that wasn’t just a friendly greeting. The peace they brought was palpable and personal and it connected instantly with the people of peace who lived in the house. And on the basis of that connection marvelous things could happen. If we’re interested in mission, on going with the gospel, we should always remember that we’re not bringing to people something that they don’t already have. The first step is to connect with the peace that God has already given them. And once that common peace has been established the connection can continue in a myriad of different ways and healing will abound. Our goal is the establishment of the peaceable kingdom, and it’s essential for us to remember that the seeds of that kingdom have already been planted in the most surprising places. This is God’s work and not ours!

Thought for the Day: What distinguishes a person of peace?