We often talk about going and sharing the good news. Yet some of the saddest words in the Bible are: “But he went out and began to talk freely” (Mark 1:45, ESV).
Jesus just healed a man with leprosy and gave him stern instructions:
“See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to them” (Mark 1:44).
We may think our way is the best; clearly, it makes more sense. Our way reaches more people. After all, didn’t Jesus say make disciples of all nations?
The disobedience of the healed man in the name of wide dissemination of the message hindered the mission of Jesus.
This man was sent to be a proof to the priest. He refused to go, but he did go and proclaim. Isn’t that enough?
What doesn’t make sense to us, is clear to Him. Failure to go to the priest will keep Him from the towns, will force Him into desolate places where not as many people will be able to make it to Him (v. 45), and will leave the priest without a witness.
All because we want to do it our way. . . in the name of the Lord, of course!
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Casting a vision for church multiplication is a critical step in leading your church to be involved in church planting. That was my topic on last week’s episode of Strike the Match. Check it out! iTunes | Android | RSS
