ESOCS Devotional 5 March 2022
TEXT: LUKE 10:1-10
MEMORY VERSE: “Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.” Luke 10:4 KJV
0 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted lace ”
Sending out the Seventy for evangelism, Jesus Christ gave out the principles regarding missionary works as it relates to evangelism; how evangelism should be carried out. This is because “the harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few” [Luke 10: 2a], and there must be fruitful results using the best strategy; more so, as Jesus was sending them ahead of His visit.
Rebranding is a marketing strategy. It means to change the image of something (a company, a product, design, symbol, services) by changing its name or by advertising it in a different way. The purpose is to give a new identity in the minds of the public. It is for a positive repositioning.
How did Jesus rebrand evangelism? First, the way He sent them: “two and two”. Secondly, the manner in which they were to conduct themselves – as “lambs among wolves” (peaceful people, people with pity and affection to preach to troublesome people); “salute no man by the way” (not that they should not greet anybody as they go, but it was not a time to begin to ask of every friend or family member, or time to resolve family issues, etc.). We can read up others in the text. Thirdly, “no purse, scrip, shoes” (not a journey of, or for, comfort). The fourth one is that the task is time bound and must come with positive results (converts).
The Seventy were equipped for this mission because of their awareness of Jesus’ power and a vision to reach all people. We should learn from this principles and also dedicate our skills to God’s work, be equipped with His power, and have a clear vision of what He wants us to do in the midst of plenty harvest with few labourers because today’s ‘harvest’ is more sophisticated.
- How does your local Assembly plan its evangelism in this present age?
- Ask for God’s direction to know how, where, who, and when.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: Matthew 3:1-12, 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-18
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ESOCS Devotional 5 March 2022
