Ephesus, Turkey taken by Martha Wiggins, 2011
“And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And if any one will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town.” Matthew 10:13-14
When Jesus first commissioned His twelve disciples He sent them to preach to the lost children of Israel. He had raised His only begotten Son up from among His chosen people. Therefore, it was only right that they should be allowed to hear the Word before all others. Then after His Resurrection He sent His disciples out to the gentiles, to all the peoples of the world.
If Jesus hadn’t sent them out to world many of us today might never have heard the Good News. Even though they were among God’s chosen people, the disciples found that much of their preaching fell on deaf ears, on hardened hearts. They must have been greatly disappointed and discouraged when they had to shake off the dust and move on to the next town. They had to leave them in God’s Hands.
Is there someone you have been trying to bring to the Truth? We too may experience these same feelings of discouragement when we find that we cannot lead someone close to us to the Truth of Jesus Christ. As hard as it is to leave it in God’s Hands, we too must shake off the dust. Only God and His Word can soften a heart.
Just like His disciples we have all been commissioned to spread the Good News about the forgiveness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Some will hear it and be welcomed by Him with open arms. Others will reject it. Those who reject Him must be left in God’s Hands. Even though we shake off the dust, we must continue to live our lives as an example, as a witness of His undying love and mercy. Then, the greatest thing we can do for them is continue to pray for God’s Word to work in their hearts and bring them to His salvation. And, as the above verse from Matthew says, let your peace return to you. You have been a good and faithful disciple.
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