Missional Expectations

God is so good. Not only does He tell us His mission, He also instructs on how to execute His mission. In Matthew 10 Jesus sends His 12 disciples out to transform Israel, but before they go He tells them what they can expect.

1) There will be those who will accept your Gospel messages and those who don't. (vv. 5-15) Don't worry about those who don't (shake off the dust from your feet 10:14) In other words, they are rejecting Jesus, not you. Remember that we are just the messengers, not the creator of the message.

2) Persecution will come. (vv. 16-24) Be discerning as you deliver Jesus' message and if you get into a bit of trouble, God's Spirit will guide and direct you.

3) Have no fear. (vv. 26-32) Because God is with you, who can come against you? God knows everything (even then number of hairs on your head) and values you greatly. Therefore, don't focus on what man can do to you, rather fear what God can do to you.

4) Jesus demands complete allegiance over family and friends. (vv. 34-39)

5) Should someone believe that the Gospel is true and trust Jesus, they will be saved. (vv. 40-42)

As we think about transforming our cities, it seems that these expectations still hold true today. Being "missional" is extraordinarily tough as the personal costs are high. Consider:

that many will scoff at our beliefs (after all their minds tell them that there are many ways to Heaven); this will emotionally hurt and discourage a great many of us from continuing to be missional. After all, who wants to be ridiculed?

that standing up for the Gospel will get us into trouble from time to time with our fellow man; this may include us being physically hurt or being unjustly treated and will stop a few more of us from continuing to be missional. After all, who what's to be ridiculed, possibly suffer personal injury and to be dealt with unjustly?

that the opposition can be so great that we begin to fear man, rather than God;

that it test our allegiance. Do we love family or our friends more than God? Many of us would say no, but when the rubber meets the road would who do you love more family or God?

These expectations sober us. We begin to see that this Jesus thing is more than just showing up for Sunday Service, but a lifestyle rooted in a conviction that this is the only way and a deep love for fellow man. Looking at the face of this, who in their right mind would subject themselves to this type of lifestyle? Unless the reward was far greater than the pain. Jesus promises us that our rewards are stored in Heaven. There is a great reward waiting for us. Do we have the courage to go get it?