Many people have much, but their sole desire is to have more, even at others’ expense. They long to gain what they feel is the most, vainly believing that great wealth, notoriety, or reputation will satisfy the cravings of their soul. They model to us the tragic portrait of an empty, self-absorbed life.
The One who came to show us what a man was to be was the opposite. He gave everything away. His highest delight came in pouring into others, helping them succeed in what truly mattered. Luke Chapter 10 illustrates this beautiful, discipling spirit.
APPOINTING THE SEVENTY
Now after this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them in pairs ahead of Him to every city and place where He Himself was going to come. (Luke 10:1)
Jesus came to build the Kingdom of God. He accomplished this by making disciples of the Kingdom. First, He secured their salvation (and ours) through His life, death, and resurrection. But then He trained these ordinary men and women to know God and the glories of serving Him.
His great joy was to release people from a useless life and make them into mighty, eternal servants of God. Here we see 70 people appointed by Him. He gave them the equipping and shared authority they needed. They came back “with joy, saying, ‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.’” (Luke 10:17).
And then we gaze through a rare window into the beautiful joy in Jesus, fueled by His generous heart.
At that very time He rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, and said, “I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight. All things have been handed over to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.” (Luke 10:21-22)
What delighted Jesus? That His fame was multiplied? That He received the credit? His pleasure came in seeing humble people rise to spiritual glory and watching them grow into their calling and destiny. He was not seeking His own glory but delighting in their growth. Jesus knew the secret of the expansion of His kingdom was making disciples. But it was not only His plan but His joy, driven by perfect love.
A HUMBLE HOUSEHOLD
And then we see Him at the close of Luke 10 in the home of Mary and Martha. He was pouring into Mary, the hungry learner who was “seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His Word.” He reminds her sister, Martha, that her many distractions were making her anxious about so many things. He hated to see this precious woman consumed by the world’s needless pressures. He invited her to join Mary, who was choosing the good part which would never be taken away from her.
Jesus loved Martha and Mary. He wanted the best for both of them. He longed to release them from the cares of this world and show them the path to the greatest treasure and highest usefulness. And we must do the same.
Father, forgive me for my impure heart. Fill me today with Your Spirit. Let me live to lift those around me to a higher life. Let my joy come from their happiness as I lead them to You and a life of serving You. And may Your kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is being done in heaven.
As a pastor for the last 55 years, I have had the joy of being encouraged and blessed and prayed for by so many people. It is what carries you in your task of shepherding people. As I look back over five decades of ministry, their love has dramatically enriched my life.
But also, a pastor leads. And when anyone leads, there are almost always some who disagree.
