"Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves." -Luke 10:3.

I've often wondered what in the world must have been going through the disciple's minds when Jesus told them this. And now that we are within a week of our first gathering among the community, I think I understand in the smallest of ways. It is a terrifying thing to step out and do what God has called you to do. We have no idea how the community will react to us. We have no idea what the thoughts of people may be about the Lord, church, or people in the church. But even as the disciples responded to the Lord and went out from among Him to proclaim that the Kingdom of God has come near, we will do the same thing.

So this week, as you go about whatever business you have from day to day, be in prayer for this Sunday. Be in prayer for the people who will gather and worship with us. Be in prayer for the stranger who may walk up and become our guest. Be in prayer for people in the community to see families loving one another and friends supporting one another as evidence of Christ's reality.

After submitting to the King's command and proclaiming His Kingdom, the disciples returned to tell of the wondrous things they had seen. When next Sunday is over and we are all exhausted for the glory of God and Christ's Kingdom, I long for us to to gather and tell of the wondrous things that we saw!

Grace & Peace,
John

(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)