A purpose and a pal

Lily Cathcart July 12, 2025 2 1

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Luke 10: 1-9 (NIVUK)

1 After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. 2 He told them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.3 Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. 4 Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.

5 ‘When you enter a house, first say, “Peace to this house.” 6 If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you. 7 Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house.

8 ‘When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you.9 Heal those there who are ill and tell them, “The kingdom of God has come near to you.”

In this passage from Luke, Jesus is giving very practical instructions to his followers. I started this week joking that clear instructions and signposts were exactly what I needed to find happiness and growth in my life. But the more I read this passage the more I am willing to admit that what Jesus is offering here is more than a list of instructions. He is offering his followers a purpose and he is offering them a pal to share it with.

Through the course of our lives we can face all sorts of hardship and we can find all sorts of joy. and it has been my experience that both are easier and better to bear when you have a purpose to aim towards and a friend or two to share the journey.

This week and beyond I hope and pray that no matter what landscape you find yourself planted in, whether flourishing or devastated, that you find a reason to grow and blossom through it and find friendly flowers of all shapes and sizes to bloom alongside you.

Prayer:

Dear God of our lives

Thank you that you understood what your followers needed

Thank you that you stay alongside us as we grow

Help us to accept friendship and companionship

Help us to find a purpose and a hope

Amen