Luke 10:6 If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you.
When someone mentions the disciples of Jesus, our immediate thought is the Twelve He called to follow Him. But these were not the only disciples. He had many followers, many disciples. And in today’s verse, He sent them out to prepare the towns for His arrival. He commissioned 72 disciples to head out on short-term missions to bring the news of His coming. Today’s verse is one of the instructions He gave them before sending them out.
His instructions were simple. Take nothing with them and go into the towns. Rely on the kindness of those they offered their blessings to and receive their hospitality. They were to greet each home they entered with a blessing of peace (shalom). This blessing was for wholeness, salvation, and well-being. He was instructing them to extend the grace of the Kingdom of God to all who were receptive to them.
But He knew that not everyone would receive them or their blessing. So He reassured them that if they were rejected in a home, their blessing was not made in vain. It would simply return to them as they moved to the next home. They were not to become discouraged or stop trying. It was not a personal attack on them. They were rejecting Him, not the disciple missionaries.
This is the same for us today. We are also commissioned to make disciples of all nations, to share the Gospel and grow the Kingdom of God. But we face many who are not receptive to our message. And it is easy to become discouraged when your efforts don’t seem to be making any difference.
But take heart. You are being obedient in sharing this blessing of shalom and seeds are being planted. It may not be your responsibility to water those seeds or bring those souls to harvest. Your job is to share. To deliver the blessing. To bring the message of Christ and His salvation that is available to everyone.
The peace of God, the peace of shalom, is more than just a greeting. It is a blessing. When you extend goodwill to someone and offer it to them, you are bringing God’s favor to them. Your words are not just words but an actual blessing from God that brings them peace, wholeness, grace, and salvation if they are receptive. But don’t be discouraged if they reject it. His blessing will return to you as you seek the next person to share with. Don’t take the rejection personally and never quit sharing.
Their receptivity lies on them. It is between them and God. Your job is to be the messenger. Let God do the rest. You just be obedient and do as He has called you to do.
Prayer: Lord, Use me to bring Your blessing of shalom, of peace, to all I encounter today. Open their hearts and let Your blessing fall upon them and bring favor, wholeness, and salvation. Amen
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