Matthew Chapter 10

Did you ever go to a circus or watch a talent show where a performer put plates on rods and started them spinning? Their whole act was keeping those plates spinning. What is the purpose of all those spinning plates? Have our lives served a singular purpose? How many jobs have you held? How many proverbial plates have you tried to keep spinning?

Jesus lived His life dedicated to a single purpose. Everything Matthew has reported to this point demonstrates Jesus’ reason for coming to Earth. He came to RESTORE humanity’s RELATIONSHIP to our Heavenly Father, God. Chapter 9 ended with these words, spoken by Jesus, “So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” (‭‭Matthew‬ ‭9‬:‭38‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

I am always amazed at how seamlessly God has woven His word together. Did you stop and think yesterday that Jesus was leading His disciples in a FOCUSED prayer? He was setting them (and us) up for the next phase of God’s plan.

What is Jesus doing in today’s reading?
How do His instructions to the first disciples apply to us?

Yesterday He led them in focused prayer. Today He lays out God’s answer to that prayer. “Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness. … “Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. … When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. … “Anyone who receives you receives me, and anyone who receives me receives the Father who sent me.” (‭‭Matthew‬ ‭10‬:‭1‬, ‭16‬, ‭19‬-‭20‬, ‭40‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Surprise! We are the answer to that focused prayer. We are the workers in the harvest field. Pray with me today: Father, open our spiritual eyes today. Lead us by Your Holy Spirit to our singular purpose — Making You and the power of restoration known! Give us the discernment and willingness to STOP spinning useless and unfruitful plates. Move by Your Spirit and lead us to those who will receive Your message. Help us build Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name amen.

Please share a comment or personal reflection. What did you see in the reading today?