On a Mission from God

(Alternate title: Time to Make the Donuts)

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

on Matthew 10:5-15, Jesus sends the Twelve to teach and preach and heal, to proclaim that the Kingdom of Heaven is near.

www.FirstChurchBville@gmail.com  @FirstUMCBville  @kerrfunk

• In the eighties there was this donut commercial... “Time to make the donuts.” This guy was always making donuts, around the clock, no matter the weather. They were always fresh.

There is an urgency in Jesus' words today.
You go when the harvest is ready (which is now).

But unlike a crop harvest which you know when you're done, this is an ever-necessary harvest...
it's always time to make the donuts.

• What's the urgent message?
“The kingdom of heaven (KOH) is near.” (verse 7)

Why is it an urgent message?
People don't know. People forget.
People get tired or deceived.
People need reminded that
the Kingdom of Heaven is near.

What's the KOH look like?
It looks like people doing the things Jesus did.
It looks like people preaching and teaching, healing, raising the dead, and cleansing the sick, casting out demons.

What's the message? KOH is near... 

When all you can see is sickness and pain,
hear this good news: KOH is near. Here I am. 

When all you can see is poverty, hear this good news:
KOH is near. Here I am. The people of God are here.
The hope of God is here. The God of hope is here, and
the kingdom looks like people working together.

How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity! (Psalm 133:1)

• Second point about Jesus' instructions:
verse 6: go to the lost sheep of Israel.
Start where you are.
Start with familiar, with family, with neighbors, with coworkers. You don't have to go far to represent KOH,
to share God.

• Third point: Trust God a la Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and lean not on your own understanding.

Jesus says don't load up for a big journey...
trust in God and rely on the hospitality of others.

Don't let the logistics of your mission derail your mission.
Your mission is not about your skills,
your talents, your ingenuity, etc.
but about working with God, working with and through others, inviting others into kingdomwork with you...

KOH can be proclaimed by anyone, anywhere.
You don't need special equipment, so go and tell.
People are hurting and hungry now.

• Oh, and btw, sometimes you'll be rejected.
Don't let it bother you. Shake the dust off.

You don't get strong by carrying a grudge.
Leave the past behind you. Give it to God,
and you be hospitable anyway.

• KOH is near.
It looks like the church following Jesus, reaching out, inviting, healing, living.

• Hymn 562 Jesus, Lord, We Look to Thee