By Michelle Muff
“And if any place will not receive you and they refuse to hear you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet for a testimony against them.” ~ Mark 6:11
Two by Two
When we share the word of God with others, it may not be well received. We are called to go into the world to proclaim the word of God, not in our own power but in His, knowing that God will provide for our needs. Jesus limited their possessions and comforts so they could be free from material support to create a greater reliance on God. Jesus directs them to witness two by two. They were not alone in the mission. They had a cushion of comfort in their supportive relationship with each other.
Brush it Off
Jesus knew which people would reject him and which ones would accept him. He knew the disciples’ hearts and that they had to be directed to walk away from those who would not listen. He knew their hearts would hurt when they were rejected, and he was specific in his direction to brush it off, not be offended, and move on.
Realistic Expectations
Jesus sets the disciples’ expectations to match the results. If they accept your words, rejoice with them, but if they do not listen, leave and shake the dust off your feet. Remember, if you have shared the message of Jesus’s truth with your loved ones to the best of your ability, you have done your job. You are now placing the responsibility for their rejection of the message on them.
Provide them with acts of love and service, becoming a witness with actions while clinging to Christ, leaving resentment and any expectations aside, and casting your concerns into the heart of Jesus. It is for God to convert and for us to fast, pray, and love, brushing off the resistance like dust on your feet. Move on and do not be downcast but continue in joy. You have planted the seed.
Seed Sowing
Some seeds will land and take root, and others will not, but God has not abandoned them for those not taking root. Your seed message and the message from many others may need to be planted many times before the troubled heart is softened. Do not lose heart as God seeks to know and love the lost sheep. Discern the message you are sharing and understand God, in his mercy, knows when the soul is ready to hear the message. We must be accepting of each other and know when to witness with our words and when to witness with our actions.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, help us to discern when to use words and when it is time to walk away. “Preach the gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words.” Attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi.
Call to Action
After a period of prayer, ask God to highlight to you who needs your prayers and your gift of service in action.
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Thank you so much for this crystal clear and powerful commentary on the Word of God. It is a treasure for all Who love the Lord. And just what we all need at this time in our lives and in this moment in Salvation History…. a perfect image of our mission our value,and our place in God’s divine plan. Thank you again!
You are very welcome. I think I was writing for myself too so that I can continue to love my lost sheep in my life. Thank you for your kind words.
Beautiful reflection! Thank you for this insight!
Thank you Clara!
This message is so encouraging for me. I have a very dear and close friend that is a lost sheep. I realized that I must continue to support and encourage her to seek her faith in God.
Thank you Carlyn, I have many lost sheep in my life and I know that God wants me to continue to look up at Jesus and focus on his love regardless of what the lost sheep are doing. I hope you and I both can find the joy in letting go, bushing off and moving on with love.