The Kingdom Is Near

Scripture – Matthew 10:5-10: ⁵These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. ⁶Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. ⁷As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' ⁸Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy,drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. ⁹Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts; ¹⁰take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) The twelve were sent out with authority and power to do miraculous things. They were also instructed to preach a simple message – “The kingdom of heaven is near.” There is a thin line at the edge of the kingdom. It’s sometimes hard to tell exactly when a person has come in. I think of water lapping at the edge of a lake. At what point do I move from just getting my feet wet to being in the lake? Many people are very close. At this time of the year I believe people come closer to Christ than at any other time. How can I help them take that simple, clear step and enter this kingdom that is so near?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will watch and listen for those opportunities. As spiritual things come up, I will be ready to extend an invitation to go deeper.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, please give me a sensitive spirit today. I don’t know who I’ll see or where conversations may lead. Just keep me ready to speak of my experience with you and ready to invite people to continue in their spiritual explorations. May your kingdom welcome new people this day.