The Family Business

Working for God doesn’t always guarantee a welcome. When the prophet  Amos, from the south, showed up at the sanctuary in Bethel, about fourteen  miles north of Jerusalem, the priest Amaziah was not thrilled to see him. “Go  home,” he shouted. “Prophesy there and leave us alone.” Amos’ response is  interesting. “Not my idea to be here, nor to be doing this,” he says. “I was a  shepherd and a dresser of sycamores. The Lord told me to do this.” 

Perhaps Jesus’ disciples knew the story, since many of them were from up  north—the fishermen Peter and Andrew, James and John, to be sure. And more  than likely most of the others. When God calls you, you go. The same happened  when Jesus came along. All he said was “Follow me” and they did. Now he sends  them out, preaching, teaching, healing, and casting out demons. Travel light,  he says. Stay where you land. Keep to the message. If they don’t want it, move  along. 

The Lord continues to send us out, as God did with prophets and as Jesus did  with those first disciples. The world needs the message more than ever: God  wants a family that will be faithful to God, loving to each other and caring for the  earth once entrusted to Adam and Eve for tending. God wants a holy people.  This holiness comes as a gift from God, if we accept it. For this message to get  out, messengers are needed, witnesses in word and deed. That’s us. 

Consider/Discuss

• Do you see yourself as “sent” to witness to your faith by word and  action? 
• How do the instructions Jesus gives his disciples carry over into our  world? 

Responding to the Word

Jesus, Risen Lord, you continue to call men and women to join you in the work  of preaching the gospel and delivering the world from the power of evil. Give us  generous hearts that we might respond willingly to your invitation and faithfully  fulfill the work to which you have called us.