“We Are Sent” (Luke 10:1-12)

 

Peter’s First Battle

Some of you may have watched the film or read the book, The Chronicles of Narnia written by C. S. Lewis. In the story there is a chapter called “Peter’s first battle.” Aslan, who represents Jesus, and Peter, the young prince of Narnia, are having a peaceful conversation. Suddenly, their conversation is interrupted by Susan’s emergency horn. Peter rushes toward the sound and finds that his two sisters are surrounded by two wolves, the agents of White Witch. Aslan and the creatures (his army) are also right there for them. Immediately, Aslan emasculates one of the wolves. But for some reason, Aslan allows Peter to face the other. He commands the creatures to step back, declaring, “This is Peter’s battle!”

In the ensuring battle, Peter grips his sword tightly, feeling both the weight of responsibility and fear, but he stands firm. Aslan, watching calmly, knows this is a pivotal moment for Peter. With determination, Peter strikes the wolf wins the battle, marking his first real test of leadership in Narnia.

 

Two by Two

As we begin this new school year, we might feel anxious and filled with “what if” questions. As a new student, you might wonder, “What if I can’t make new friends?” or “What if I struggle in class?” As a parent or grandparent, you might worry, “What if I can afford the tuition fees?” or “What if my child is bullied?”

In today’s scripture, when Jesus sends out his disciples, he knows the mission field is not favorable. Jesus says, “I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves” (v. 3). But Jesus knows what he is doing. He has a plan. He has a strategy.

First, Jesus sends them out two by two. The disciples are not out there by themselves. Going in pairs provides mutual support and encouragement. Ministry can be challenging, but knowing they have each other’s backs give them strength and resilience. If one disciple faced difficulty or discouragement, the other could offer help, prayer, and encouragement. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 echoes this principle: "Two are better than one... If either of them falls down, one can help the other up."

When we are out there in our mission field, we are not alone. God always sends us out in pairs – in community. God always sends us helpers at the right time. More importantly, his presence goes with us.

In Korean tradition, when we have a college entrance exam, family members, typically parents, accompany us. I still remember crossing the gate where my parents couldn’t accompany me any further. Yet, at that very moment, I strangely felt God’s presence. I was not alone. Recently, Joyce and I sent our two older children off to boarding school. We thought we couldn’t be there for them anymore. But that was the moment when they experienced God’s presence. Now, we share our devotions in the morning and our highs and lows in the evening through text messages. I see God’s presence is with them. God sends us out in pairs – in community. We are not alone.

 

God-given Authority

Second, when God sends us out, he gives us his authority. Jesus said to his disciples, “Indeed, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will hurt you” (v. 19).

Today’s reading needs to be understood in the context of spiritual warfare. In Deuteronomy 20, God gives instructions to the Israelites about engaging in war. They are to send messengers and offer terms of peace first. If the city accepts, its people are spared. But if they refuse, then war is waged against them.

In today’s scripture (Luke 10), the disciples are sent out with the authority as God’s messengers. So whatever house they enter, first they are to say, “Peace to this house!” If they accept peace, it rests on that household. But it not, it will return to them (vv. 5-6).

Similarly, when we are sent out to the world, no matter how we feel, we are given Jesus’ authority. We are messengers and ambassadors representing God and God’s kingdom! When I was appointed to my first church in MA, I was nervous, feeling unprepared for the pastoral work ahead. But God provided a lay leader who walked alongside me and supported me wholeheartedly. She once said to me, “Pastor, God doesn’t call the equipped, but he equips the called.” And he did. God provided everything I needed.

The disciples were not asked to create new things and be successful. Instead, they were called to be faithful. They were called to faithfully preach the message given to them: “Repent, the kingdom of God has come near to you.” (v. 9) The Holy Spirit gave them authority and the words to speak at the moment. Jesus knows what we need. The One who calls us is faithful and able. He will equip us, he will provide for us, he will give us authority, wisdom, strength to love.

 

True Joy

Third, when God sends us out, he gives us his joy. After the mission, the disciples returned with joy. They had stories to tell, saying, “Lord, eve the demons submit to us in your name!” (v. 17) Jesus replied, “I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning.” Then he said this, “Do not rejoice because evil spirits obey you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” (v. 20) Here Jesus was saying true joy is not from our performance, but from our relationship with God. Our gifts come and go. Our resources come and go. Our strength and wisdom come and go. But God’s grace stands forever. It’s not about what I do for God, but what God does for me. That’s the source of true joy.

When I was young, I had many health issues. I was a weakling. My grandfather often prayed for me and said, “God will use your health issues for God’s glory. One day you will have a story to tell!” He was right. I have many healing stories to share. But as I shared those stories, I realized that healing is just a means, not the end. God desires a relationship with us. Above all, God wants you and me.

As we start this new school year, let us remember God’s promise: “Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will sustain you with my righteous right hand” (Isa 41:10). Let us remember we are sent in pairs – in community. We are sent with God-given authority and wisdom and power. Let us rejoice, not because we are doing great, but because we are loved and our names are written in heaven. We fight from victory, not for victory. Thanks be to God, who gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

St Patrick’s Breastplate Prayer

Christ be with me, Christ within me,

Christ behind me, Christ before me,

Christ beneath me, Christ above me,

Christ on my right, Christ on my left,

Christ where I sit, Christ where I arise,

Christ in the heart of every one who thinks of me,

Christ in every eye that sees me,

Christ in every ear that hears me.

Salvation is of the Lord,

Salvation is of the Christ,

May your salvation, O Lord, be ever with me. Amen.

(Saint Patrick, Ireland, 5th Cent., Alt.)

 

“The Journey” (Deut 8:1-6)

3,413 miles. 

It was a 19-day road trip, visiting 11 cities and spending time together with 8 different groups of people on the way.

Today, I want to talk to you about a journey—a journey that each of us is on, and a journey that mirrors the path the Israelites took from Egypt to the Promised Land. Our scripture reading from Deuteronomy 8:1-6 gives us insights into what this journey entails, and I believe there are profound lessons we can learn from it, lessons that apply to our walk with God today.

 

Where Are You?

The first question I want to ask you today is, "Where are you?" This is the very first question God asked Adam after he had sinned in the Garden of Eden. It’s also a question we need to ask ourselves as we journey through life.

I remember being lost in Quebec City, a place I thought I knew well (4^th time visit). A few days earlier, I received an email from the Hotel where I would stay, saying, “Construction work is currently taking place around the hotel. We advise you to plan your journey accordingly.” I ignored the message because I had a Google map (GPS), and I knew Quebec. It was late at night, and despite having a GPS, I found myself wandering aimlessly, unable to find my way to the hotel. Finally, I had to admit that I was lost and call the front desk for directions. The first thing they asked me was, "Where are you?" Only after I answered that question could I be guided to my destination.

In a similar way, the Israelites found themselves lost—not just physically in the wilderness, but spiritually as well. Their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land was supposed to take 11 days (250-300 miles), but it ended up taking 40 years because they were disobedient and stubborn. They had to learn to trust God and follow His guidance. They had to ask themselves, "Where are we?"—not just geographically, but spiritually.

So, where are you today? Are you wandering in your spiritual life, unsure of which direction to take? Are you lost, trying to navigate the challenges of life on your own? It’s important to recognize where you are so that God can guide you to where you need to be.

 

The Dangers and Grace of the Journey

The journey from Egypt to the Promised Land was filled with dangers. In today’s scripture the wilderness journey is described this way: “Do not forget that he led you through the great and terrifying wilderness with its poisonous snakes and scorpions, where it was so hot and dry. He gave you water from the rock! He fed you with manna in the wilderness…” (Deut 8:15-16a, NLT) The wilderness journey was treacherous, but God’s grace was always greater.

We see this in our own lives as well. I recall a moment on a recent road trip when our car began to shake violently on the highway. We were on our way to Niagara Falls, and the driver’s side rear tire had lost two bolts, and the wheel bearing was damaged. It was a scary situation, but still God’s grace was more than enough. We found the right auto shop, at the right time, with the right resources. The problem was fixed within an hour, and we were able to be back on the road again.

God doesn’t promise us a journey free from suffering, but He does promise to be with us always. “For all these forty years your clothes didn't wear out, and your feet didn't blister or swell.” (Dt 8:4, NLT) Just as God provided for the Israelites in the wilderness, He provides for us as well. His grace is always greater than the dangers we face.

 

The Secret of Joy in the Wilderness

But the wilderness journey wasn’t just dangerous; it was also a place where the Israelites experienced joy. And the secret to that joy is found in Deuteronomy 8:6: "So it’s paramount that you keep the commandments of GOD your God, walk down the roads He shows you, and reverently respect Him." (MSG)

In other words, let God be God. Listen to Him, adore Him, savor Him, love Him, and rejoice in Him. John Piper rightly said, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.” When we allow God to take the driver’s seat in our lives, we experience true joy.

I remember taking my children to an amusement park in Niagara Falls. Grace and I were a team. We drove a go-kart together. She was in the passenger seat, but I let her steer with me while I controlled the speed. She had the time of her life! She said, “It was so much fun! It was the best!!” But what made it so much fun for her was that she knew I was in control. She felt safe and secure.

God is always near, but why don’t we experience joy? Because God is in the passenger’s seat. When we let God take control of our lives, we can experience joy, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.

 

The Blue Bird of Happiness

As I close, I want to share a story with you about two children, Tyltyl and Mytyl, who go on a great journey to find the Blue Bird of Happiness. They visit all kinds of mystical places, like the Land of Memory and the Kingdom of the Future. Along the way, they meet characters that represent different parts of life. But in the end, they realize that true happiness isn’t something far away or in things, but it’s found in the love and blessings that are already around them. They found the blue bird in their home!

As Christians, this story reminds us that the joy we seek comes from God and is found in our relationship with Him. Psalm 16:11 says, "You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

 

Conclusion: Trusting God on Our Journey

So, where are you on your journey today? Are you lost, trying to navigate life on your own? Or are you allowing God to guide you, to be your compass, your provider, and your source of joy?

The journey to the Promised Land wasn’t easy for the Israelites, and our journey isn’t easy either. But we can take comfort in knowing that God is with us every step of the way. He will guide us, provide for us, and fill our hearts with joy, no matter what dangers we face.

Let us trust in Him, let us let Him take the driver’s seat in our lives, and let us experience the fullness of joy that comes from walking in His presence.

May God bless you on your journey, and may you find peace and joy in His presence, now and always. Amen.