4. The Power in Direction
There is power in direction. There is power in knowing why, where, how and when without having to figure it all out on your own.
At the core of the direction given to you is a problem the master wants to solve. All the instructions he shall give you are anchored on providing a solution.
He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.
Luke 10:2
The master had a labourer problem. He pointed this out to his servants and immediately gave them the solution. He did not lament with them, He told them exactly what was required to meet the challenge.
So it is with you and me. If God highlights a problem to you, He will give you the solution. Because He is all knowing, the master makes sure He gives you further direction so that you do not mess up the assignment for which He has appointed and sent you.
I. Word of Identity
Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.
Luke 10:3
There is a clear distinction between lambs and wolves. In this context, the term wolves refers to cruel, greedy, rapacious, destructive men.
Yet, in spite of being surrounded by such men, the servants were to remember their identity…lambs.
Why is this important? Luke 14:34 gives us the answer:
Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure heap; it is thrown out. “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
The moment you forget your identity, is the moment you become ineffective in your assignment. Remember the servant who hid his talent? He let fear cause him to forget his role of servanthood.
Do not forget your identity in Christ.
For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].
Ephesians 2:10
2. Word of Character
When He referred to them as lambs, he also let them know the character they were to have.
Their character was to be so distinct that they would automatically stand out from the ‘wolves’.
Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.
Romans 12:2(Message)
Why is character important?
We put no stumbling-block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited.
2 Corinthians 6:3
Compromised character will compromise and discredit the work He is doing through you!
We are not perfect. We will make mistakes every now and then, but as far as is possible to you, may your character be anchored in love.
By this all men will know you are my disciples, if you love one another.
John 13:35
3. Word of Operation
Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.
“When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you. Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house. “When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you.Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town we wipe from our feet as a warning to you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God has come near.’
Luke 10:4-11
The master told them:
– what to leave behind
– what to say
– how to respond in different circumstances
These were words of preparation. He did not want them to be disillusioned. He let them know that they would face opposition and taught them how to handle it.
Thank God we have the Word of God as our operational manual. But, intimacy is required to know what Word to apply in the different circumstances we face.
Your Turn
If you are anything like me, I used to get so excited at the thought of a ‘word’. I wanted to hear what God was saying, when He was saying it and when I would see it come to pass in my life. In seeking ‘words’ I missed He, the Word of God and went a totally wrong direction.
The Word of God is the ultimate direction. But in intimacy, He will reveal to you what you are to do, giving you personal direction. When He does that, take heed and walk in obedience.
And if you ever receive a ‘word’ that is contrary to the Word of God in Scripture, toss it away!