Christ commanded the apostles to go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. He had a deep concern for those who believed in God but weren’t ready to accept Christ as the Messiah, and wanted them to be told that “the kingdom of heaven was at hand.”

He gave specific instructions as to what they were to carry with them, where they were to stay, and how they were to react based on whether their message was received or rejected.

The task given to the apostles was a very difficult one. Christ warned that they would encounter various dangers, be scourged and imprisoned, but that He would be with them all the way.

One lesson that we can learn from our reading for today is that Christ wanted the Jews to be made aware that things were changing and they would be required to accept the “kingdom not made with hands,” in order to receive the crown of glory. Likewise, we must accept the specific instructions that we have been given regarding our entrance into the kingdom of heaven.

In like manner, we need to be ready to go the lost of the world with the message that Christ requires obedience to His word in order to have a covenant relationship with Him and enjoy heaven as our eternal dwelling place. Let all of us strive to be fishers of men for Christ.