I am thankful for those who share their thoughts, and by all means their inspiration with us; and “Our Daily Bread” September 13 sure did minister to me. The subject was “WALKING IN HIS DUST.” As I read the suggested scripture – Mark 6: 6b – 12 – my heart pounded with excitement. We servants have been entrusted with the Gospel, but are we as obedient as we should be? Can it be the reason our churches are half filled with people on the Sabbath day is we are not willing to “Walk in His Dust?”
In the first century, a Jewish man who wanted to become a disciple of a rabbi (teacher) was expected to leave family and job to join his rabbi. They would live together 24 hours a day—walking from place to place, teaching and learning, studying and working. They discussed and memorized the Scriptures and applied them to life. The disciple's calling, as described in early Jewish writings about basic ethics, was to "cover himself in the dust of [the rabbi's] feet," drinking in his every word. He followed his rabbi so closely that he would "walk in his dust." In doing so, he became like the rabbi, his master.
Simon, Andrew, James, and John knew that this was the type of relationship to which Jesus was calling them (Mark 1:16-20). So immediately they walked away from their work and "went after Him" (v.20). For 3 years they stayed close to Him—listening to His teaching, watching His miracles, learning His principles, and walking in His dust.
As Jesus' followers today, we too can "walk in His dust." By spending time studying and meditating on His Word and applying its principles to life, we'll become like our rabbi—Jesus. —Anne Cetas
“And He went around the villages, teaching” [Mk.6:6b]. Faith in Christ is not just a single step—it's a lifelong walk with Him.. Previously, Jesus attempted to teach in the area of Nazareth, his home town (vv. 1-6a). What was the result? The unbelief of the people limited His ability to do a "mighty work" there (v. 5), and He was only able to heal "a few sick people." So, Jesus returned to Galilee, to the area that would be the center of His ministry. Jesus had called his disciples, and had been teaching them. Now, he commissioned them with a task. What was it? He "sent them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits."
Brothers and Sister’s, take a few minutes and read vv 8-9 - read it again. Question, ASK: “What is it that holds me back? Some earthly tie? A thirst for gain?” This sounds like a mission trip! He was sending them out with the minimum requirements for the journey. What was the purpose of this command? Jesus instructed that they were not to be shopping around for accommodations, instead they were to develop relationships with the people with whom they stayed.
True and meaningful evangelism comes from the establishing of relationships. When a Christian develops a truly loving and caring relationship with a non-Christian, there is no way that God's love can be hidden (Matt. 5:14-16). All people are looking for the peace and love that characterizes a faithful Christian, and when that is seen, doors can open to share the gospel. A wonderful completion of the relationship takes place as the non-Christian comes to faith, and the resulting relationship becomes deeper and more meaningful than it ever was. Though it has been years since I pastored in Brent, AL - Harrodsburg, KY – Lexington, AL – Ackerman, MS – Glencoe, AL and Gallant, AL; we still correspond with many of the people and, there is a relationship – ties that bind us together. I believe it is a relationship brought about, by the grace of God, going house to house. A strange entanglement with life? But what a joy, and the pleasure was mine, by the grace of God. "Dear Lord, I cast it all aside so willingly; The path of true discipleship I'll walk with Thee — “WALKING IN HIS DUST.” Amen and Amen.
><))):> In "HIS" Service Bro. Roy