Pentecost Week Twelve - The Gift of Hospitality

New Testament Scripture: Luke 9:6
Old Testament Pairing: Isaiah 52:7

Thursday: Proclaiming the Good News
Ahh - now the hard part! Every believer is called to share the good news.

Last night after dinner (Ransom's in Montgomery) the server retrieved the signed check and said - "Just one more thing, is there anything I can pray for for you tonight?"

How cool was that - AND the conversation started.... (Please be in prayer for Emily - her mom - who is struggling with a disability and cannot work.)

I've recently been excited to watch as folks in the church are coming out of their shells - some are inviting strangers to church. That is a big step.  Some are asking if they can pray for others - that is an amazing step!

If you think about it, the disciples went out to proclaim the kingdom of God and heal the sick, demonstrating the reality of God’s power and love. I mean - c'mon - they could heal the sick!  We'd have a cult following if we tried that out.  But that was/is not the point.

Their mission wasn’t just about words—it was about action, showing the world a glimpse of God’s kingdom through their lives.

Historical Context
The message of the kingdom of God was radical in first-century Judea. I say this a lot but most people forget - the Jewish people expected a political Messiah who would overthrow Roman rule and reestablish Israel as a sovereign nation. But Jesus redefined the kingdom as a spiritual reality, one that transcended political boundaries and invited all people to experience God’s reign.

So, how did they the disciples spread this message?  Same as we are called to do today - they told people about Jesus! Not so difficult.  But, in those days, the disciples’ proclamation of God’s kingdom was not just spiritual; it could easily be misinterpreted as political rebellion.

And that is what Jesus wanted - for EVERYONE to know something different was happening - even a fisherman can heal the blind. In Jewish thought, physical healing often pointed to spiritual restoration. By addressing both physical and spiritual needs, the disciples were demonstrating that God’s reign was breaking into the world in a tangible way.

The disciples’ actions—healing the sick and casting out demons—were intended by JEsus to be powerful evidence of the kingdom’s arrival.

Modern Context
Today, proclaiming the good news can take many forms. Whether through sharing your faith, serving others, or living in a way that reflects God’s love, the call remains the same. For most - the style does not matter - cause they ain't gonna do it.  But here is the problem, in a world filled with brokenness, we have the opportunity to point others to the hope and restoration found in Christ. So why don't we?  (No answer here - it's your rhetorical question of the day!)

Proclaiming the good news doesn’t always require grand gestures. It can be as simple as offering a listening ear, meeting a need, or sharing your testimony. Like the disciples, we are called to be both messengers and representatives of God’s kingdom.

Reflection
How many of yo are up to just one - can I pray for you today?
There are opportunities to share your faith and demonstrate God’s love through your actions?

Today’s Prayer
Lord, thank You for the good news of Your kingdom.
Help me to share it boldly, both in word and in deed.
Let my life reflect Your love and grace, drawing others to You.
Amen.