Are you one of those people who ask your guests to leave their shoes in the foyer before entering your home? I’m not. If it’s a choice between vacuuming their dirt or dealing with their sweaty socks, I’d choose the dust buster every time. In the movie, Jesus Revolution, there is a scene where members of the church board are complaining about the Hippies attending their church. Their objection is twofold; not only do they come into the Sanctuary barefoot, but their dirty feet are soiling the new carpet. Pastor Chuck wasn’t at all troubled by their dirty feet. His solution was simple: foot washings upon entry… problem solved!
Jesus doesn’t mind dirty feet either - not when they’re dirty for the right reasons. In today’s reading Jesus instructed His disciples to shake the very dust off their feet if a city refused to accept their witness as a testimony against them. (Luke 9:5) The clear implication is that He expects His followers to labor long and hard enough to gather dust on their shoes before giving up on anyone. Sharing the gospel is hard work and it is not always readily received by those who first hear it. Sometimes it takes time for hearts to open.
In Luke chapter nine, Jesus was introducing something new. He was giving his disciples power and authority over devils and sickness as they were sent to proclaim the glorious gospel message. In His name they would go before Him into the towns and villages doing the works that, until now, He alone was able to perform. His instructions were clear. Their success depended on their adhering to them. There were reasons for each of His commands, that would serve to keep their hearts in the right place as they ministered.
First, they were to take the bare minimum of supplies for their journey: no staff or bag, no bread or money. They would have to trust God to meet their every need. The worker is worthy of his food. (Luke 10:7) As they put God’s Kingdom first, their Heavenly Father would be sure to give them their daily bread. (Luke 11:3)
Secondly, when they entered a village, they were not to move from house to house, but rather to abide in the first home that received them. Although some houses might have offered more attractive accommodations, they were to learn to be content where God led them and not use the ministry as a means of personal gain or advantage. Freely they had received, freely they were to give.
The ministry is a call, not a profession. Its purpose is to enrich the lives of others, not a means to make yourself rich. Like the Apostle Paul, we are to know that we are called by God to serve as and where He sees best, and to serve God’s people is a privilege, not a burden.
The Apostle Peter, when writing to Ministers expressed it this way. Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. (I Peter 5:2,3)
Sadly, too many, now as then, determine God’s call based on the largest salary, most vacation time, nicest parsonage, and the contents of their retirement package. Is it possible that one of the reasons we lack the power and authority that we see in the early Church, in part, is because we can’t trust God beyond our bank account, and living comfortably is more important to us than carrying our cross? Popularity and the praise of man have taken the place of the anointing and the favor of God. Prayer, waiting on God and studying the Word have been replaced by a multitude of distractions and lesser interests. As we ask ourselves, “Where are the healings and other miraculous signs that characterized the ministry of the early church?” perhaps we too should be asking, “Where are the men and women who realize that the manifestation of God’s power and authority comes with a price?” If any man would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. (Luke 9:23) Dependence on God in every area of our lives and learning to be content with what He chooses for us - these help to make our lives and ministries fruitful and bring glory to Christ and His Kingdom alone.
Jesus is looking for laborers whom He can thrust into His harvest field - people who are not afraid to get their hands dirty (or their feet for that matter), as they patiently reach out to lost souls for whom Jesus died. Isaiah spoke about beautiful feet as well. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bring good tidings… (Isa. 52:7)
Are your feet dusty enough to be called beautiful? If not let’s get to work!
Prayer: Lord, where are You calling me to walk today, sharing Your good news in dusty places?
