A few things occur to me this morning while reading Luke’s account of “Jesus sending out the seventy-two” (Luke 10:1-24). In particular, I’m focusing on two sentiments/phrases that Jesus instructed his disciples to use in their evangelism campaigns. What strikes me is their simplicity, while at the same time their capacity for profound, kingdom results. Those phrases …
1 – “Peace to this house.”
2 – “The kingdom of God is near you.”
And here’s my thought as it pertains to my evangelism campaign, maybe even yours. Wherever your feet take you today, whatever group you wander into (either by accident on through intention), whether he or she is a stranger or friend, why not start the God-conversation with a little, “Peace to this house” followed up by a little, “The kingdom of God is near you.” It might flow a little differently than that. Maybe something along the lines of:
1 – “Peace; God is near.” or
2 – “Peace out, peace in. Peace here, peace near. Peace everywhere.” or
3 – “Peace. God. Now.”
Words like that. Words that are reliable. Words that are true. Peace is here, because God is near. And wherever God is, his kingdom follows alongside. How do I know? Because he said so.
Once having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is within you.” –Luke 17:10 (emphasis mine)
If you are a disciple of Jesus Christ, then you carry the kingdom of God with you wherever you go. Why not speak a little peace and a little kingdom into the hearts of those within arm’s reach today? It certainly would be an interesting way to start the God-conversation. It might even be effective.
Peace out, peace in. Peace here, peace near. Blessed Peace in and for our journeys, everywhere. I’ll meet you on the road!
Hello, my friend. You are on my mind today. Missing your voice. And these are good words here. Peace out, dudette. 🙂 Sending hugs your way. Much love.
Love back.
Hoping you are encouraged today! I think we always come back stronger when we get down abit. I’m going to send my friend the name of the company who is doing your book. They did awesome on your cover.
Let me know if I can help, Terri. I’m open to chatting with her privately if she’d like to do so.
Bless you sweet friend, love you.
Peace be to YOUR house today, Elaine!
Thank you for this reminder. I am going to have some hard conversations with family members concerning my Mother’s care in the coming days. I needed this reminder to speak peace and Jesus into the situation. You are a blessing.
Yes, we must remember that we are Christ’s ambassadors, temporarily living away from our heavenly home, and we must be eager representatives of our King and His Kingdom!
Peace is meant to be passed on…and so is love.
GOD BLESS!
(I got little goosebump chills when I read these words of Jesus: “…the Kingdom of God is within you.” Wow. Still so awesome!)
First, I love the fresh new look to your blog and book. Ever a fan of “extreme makeovers”, I can see how you & they will be a continued blessing to so many.
I also cheer the sentiment you post here. Oh that we, the Body, would be about that business of peace-offering, Kingdom-living you point to. Many a clamor would subside.
Love your eye for the upward!
Kathleen
love the changes!!
Amen. We need more peace (God) in our every-day encounters. Great way to start my Monday. Thanks and peace to you!