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As I publish this week’s PODCAST, I am brimming with optimism. Whether you realize it or not, we are blessed with a singular privilege: To be alive at this time, in this place, at this precise moment in human history.
As you will hear in this study of Luke 10, we have been handed a golden opportunity to fulfill that which is the highest calling that can be bestowed on any human being. Lofty words, those. But words that I believe with all of my heart. After hearing this podcast, I believe that you will too. Last week, I introduced you to the foundational purpose statement that defines why exactly our Jewish friends are God’s Chosen People. Do you remember what it is? Tikkun ha-olam.
Which is defined by our Jewish friends as “repairing the world,” ideally by bringing the world under the rule of God in the world. In the words of the rabbis, Tikkun ha-olam “is deeply embedded in the Jewish ethos.” Indeed, defines it. The acknowledgement, the understanding that our world as a whole, and that every one of us who lives in this world is broken and in need of repair.
Tikkun ha-olam: A repair that can only come when the world which God created submits to its Creator. Which brings us to Jesus’ instructions in Luke 10:1-3, After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go. Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves.
This is something written to all of us. The instructions given to the 70 are applicable to us and they are instructions as to how you and I today participate in the process of repairing a broken world. The common denominator that links the followers is that they were Christ followers each. So are you, so am I.
Jesus sent them to repair the world, we know that this happens by repairing peoples hearts. He sent them out with a sense of urgency, to the point where he told them not to stop to greet anyone to help the broken world around them. A broken world that looks much like our own today.
You and I know exactly what is going on and you and I are not surprised by the brokenness of this world because Jesus told us it would be this way.
You and I are the workers, in whatever sphere of influence you are in among whatever people God brings across your path you have an opportunity to shine a light and give a little hope. That’s something you should ask yourself every night, “In who’s life did I shine a light to?” It can be something as simple as an act or word of kindness. You’d be surprised how far that goes.
How are we perceived, as lams? or as wolves? Are we perceived as those who devour and attack? Or those who shine a little light and bring a little hope? How that translates into your interactions with people I’ll leave that for you to decide.