The Fifth Sunday After Pentecost (Proper 9C), July 4, 2004
Isaiah 66:10-16; Psalm 66 or 66:1-8; Gal. 6:(1-10)14-18; Luke 10:1-12,16-20
The centerpiece of our Lord’s discipleship came when he sent out his followers as missionaries. Here Luke tells of the 70 whom he thrust out to the towns and villages where he would later go. This demonstrates the primary calling of the Church.
The Lord gives explicit directions for the path of obedience in missions.
First, he states a relationship of workers to fields. If we make that a ratio and put in statistics and names, we find cause for reflection. Take Brazil and Algeria for comparison. The ratio of workers to population in Brazil shows 880 workers per million people, but the same ratio in Algeria is 20 workers per million. Same goes for a comparison of Tanzania and Yemen, or South Africa and Uzbekistan.
Then there is the accompanying ratio of believers to population. Guess which countries have a higher percentage of believers? Brazil’s believers number 90 percent of the country while Algeria’s believers only amount to .03 percent. Are we surprised? Why should we be when we recall the ratio of workers to population?
If the Lord loves the sinners of Algiers as much as those in Rio, then we must face some conclusions about our flawed deployment of missionaries.
Second, he names prayer as the strategy of recruiting. What a brilliant move. Prayer links our desire with missionaries sent. The more we love God and value his kingdom, and the more we love our neighbors who haven’t heard of that kingdom, the more we will pray. That love will translate to how many are sent. Conversely, if we are lukewarm about God and neighbor, we won’t pray and they won’t go.
Third, he spells out the opening strategy and follow-up. Find a house of peace and make it a base. Not necessarily that of a follower of Jesus, but a welcome place, a receptive home, a person who will extend favor and influence. Then expect signs that the kingdom of God has come near that place. Prayer for healing, confronting evil spirits, and the message of forgiveness will make the presence of God noticed.
And fourth, he tells us to expect to see a defeated Satan. If the Lord comes with fire, sword, anger, and a whirlwind against his enemies (Isaiah 66:15,16), then we should not wonder that we see demons expelled and other signs of his triumphant rule.
Look It Up
Times of prayer and missionary expansion – Acts 4:23-31; times of lukewarm love and missionary reluctance – Jonah 4.
Think About It
How do we set a climate for prayer that missionaries will be thrust out?
Next Sunday
The Sixth Sunday After Pentecost (Proper 10C), July 11, 2004
Deut. 30:9-14; Psalm 25 or 25:3-9; Col. 1:1-14; Luke 10:25-37
