The Daily Word: Thursday, January 14th, 2021
Genesis 30:1-31:16
Matthew 10:1-23
Psalm 12:1-8
Proverbs 3:13-15
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Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out. And when you go into a household, greet it. If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. – Matt. 10:11-13
Jesus sent His disciples on a mission to the “house of Israel” (6). They went out to preach, and to “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, [and] cast out demons” (v 8). But where would they stay? Who would provide for their needs as they did the Lord’s work?
Jesus promised that He would send them to people who would help. And here is how they would know if they were in the right place:
If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. – Matt. 10:13
The disciples would deposit their peace. If they were in the right place, their peace would settle. They would feel comfortable and at rest. If they were in the wrong place, their peace would return to them. They would be restless, and it would be impossible for them to be at ease in that place!
This is called discernment. When you find yourself in a new situation – a new job interview, a new first date, or visiting a city to see if you should live there – God will use His perfect peace to guide you. If you’re supposed to stay, you will feel peace! If you’re supposed to keep moving, you will feel unrest. This is an amazing litmus test the Lord has given you which will apply to so many areas in your life. Use it! And know the will of the Lord.
“…and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” – Phil. 4:7
Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your perfect peace! I trust that Your peace will guide me in every situation. I trust that my peace will find rest or return to me based on whether You want me to stay or to go! Thank You for giving me discernment, in Jesus’ name.
© Michael D. White, 2021. All rights reserved.