Luke 10: 16Get a move on!
“He who listens to you listens to me; he who rejects you rejects me; but he who rejects me rejects him who sent me." - Luke 10:16
Who are you? As a follower of Jesus Christ you are His ambassadors – a representative of the Savior who speaks and acts in the place of Christ. You are Christ’s surrogates! Some may ask, “So, what’s the hurry?” There must be concern for there are people missing from the Father’s table. Yet, there are some who have become indifferent showing little concern for those outside. “There is a church on almost every corner! I can see three steeples from my back yard! If they want to go to church – pick one!” Or, we think one religion is as good as the next. Or we say our neighbors live as good a life as most church members. This is not the feeling of Jesus about winning people for the Kingdom. Throughout our text – Jesus emphasizes the urgency of going out and witnessing through visitation. Yes, visitation which is essential today because people will not come to the church. The church must therefore meet people where they are. Today we examine the urgency of winning people for Christ.
1. The condition of this world – v.3 “Lambs in the midst of wolves.”
A. This is how the Savior viewed the people of His day. The Savior saw people who were lost, without purpose, lonely and fearful.
B. Does this not describe the people of our day? Today we celebrate America’s independence. We live in the most affluent countries of the world and yet, this affluence has not helped to cure the hurt of so many. Why have so many lost their way? They are Lambs in the midst of wolves and are missing from the Father’s table.
2. The time is ripe – v.2 “the harvest is plentiful.”
A. Another wheat harvest is upon us. When I put the initial notes together for this sermon spring had was just beginning to break. A cover of snow had remained on it for most of the winter. Fields were beginning to green up. How would the growing season go? Soon we shall know.
B. In a far more significant way there is a harvest of souls waiting. Peter was called to be a fisher of men. In your life, in your interaction with family, co-workers, neighbors and friends the Savior gives you opportunity to be a witness for him. Who will go to them? If not you – who?
3. Avoid delays – v.3 “salute no one on the road.”
A. There was a singleness of purpose in the Savior’s words. There should be no delays, no interruptions, no distractions. There was a harvest ready. It was time to go now! It was time to move.
B. Now is the day of salvation. Now is the time to make use of every opportunity the Lord gives us to share His message of salvation. We go now because there might be another opportunity. There might not be a tomorrow. Avoid delays, avoid distractions. With a singleness of purpose share the gospel.
4. The imminence of the Kingdom – v.9 “The Kingdom of God has come to you.’
A. Although they did not know it, for they could not recognize Him, the Lord of life was in their midst. God had come to visit His people. The people need to hear the message of salvation.
B. Today the Savior calls us to share this same message “The Kingdom of God has come to you” Make use of every opportunity the Lord gives you to gossip the gospel sharing His story with all you meet.
These words, spoken by men seem so ordinary, so common. But if that word has its basis in God’s written Word, Holy Scripture, it is God’s effective way of bringing His kingdom near. God continues to bring his kingdom near through people and the words they speak. May the Lord use you as you speak His Word to your neighbors, family and friends.
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS for personal and congregational use
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