Lessons From The Seventy

By Dan C. Bailey       In Luke chapter ten, the Lord appointed seventy disciples to go out and preach that the kingdom of God was nigh. As he sent them out he gave them specific instructions. Let us carefully and prayerfully consider some of the lessons that he taught them as he sent them to preach the word of God.     Jesus taught that "...the harvest truly is great" (Luke 10:2). Jesus knew that there were many who needed to hear the word of the coming kingdom. Jesus was not a pessimist. He saw a great harvest for God. Brethren, the harvest is still there. We can win souls for Christ if we prayerfully plant the gospel of Christ in the hearts of lost sinners.     Jesus taught that "... the laborers are few" (Luke 10:2). We need more workers in the kingdom God. There can be no harvest without workers. Every Christian is commanded to be a soul winner for the Lord. The great commission which was given to the apostles, must be preached until the end of the world. "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world Amen" (Mathew 28:18-20).     Jesus taught that his disciples should pray that "...the Lord of the harvest would send forth reapers into his harvest" (Luke 10:2): God will bless us with workers when we pray and trust absolutely in His word. The great providence of God could bless us with another man with a heart like Paul, but first he must be converted. We must work harder in order to reach more of the lost Brethren, let us pray about these matters.     Jesus taught the seventy, "He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me" (Luke 10:16). In principle, when we teach the true gospel of Christ, we are acting on the commands of our Lord. If people hear God's faithful servants, then they hear Christ. If they despise God's servants, then they despise Christ. And if they despise Christ} they despise God the Father. Those who refuse to obey the Lord will "...be thrust down to hell" (Luke 10:15).     When the seventy returned they rejoiced in that "...even the devils" were subject unto them through the name of Jesus (Luke 10:17). Jesus said, "Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven" (Luke 10:20). Brethren, their names were written in heaven because they were faithful disciples of Christ. That is what we are whenever we go out and do what the Lord said to do. Let us all work together in order to help reach the lost. With God's help, we shall have a great harvest. May God help us to be active in His service!

- Dan C. Bailey serves as a minister with the State Street Church of Christ in Bristol, VA. He may be contacted through the congregation's website at https://www.thelordsway.com/statestreetchurchofchrist/framedindex.asp?Group=Home