In Matthew’s Gospel Jesus talks of teaching his Apostles; of getting them ready to do the work that will need to be done by them when he is no longer with them. He had been going to all the cities and villages and preaching in their synagogues; proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom, curing every disease and sickness; and he had compassion on the many people who responded to him. But there were many more who needed that ministry.

So, he went to the Twelve he had chosen and said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few ... ; And he gave them instruction, and authority to cast out unclean spirits, and to cure disease and sickness; to do what he had been doing, so that many more could be healed, and they could learn of God’s love; and then he sent them out.

He said to them, “As you go, proclaim the good news, the Kingdom of Heaven has come near. Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the leper, cast out demons. He cautioned them, also, “I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” This was done to train them that not

This was done to train them that not all would readily welcome them, or receive them. Some would even become violent towards them; but the few who would receive the Good News would understand, those who would be healed and cleansed would certainly praise the God who had blessed them. In helping Jesus do his work among the people, there would be joy.

The Apostles learned, and then when the time came, they taught, and others went out and offered the Good News. After the Crucifixion, and the resurrection and the wonderous ascension, they went forward into all the nations and took God’s message to all the corners of the Earth.

Paul took it to Greece and Rome. Thomas walked to India. James went to Spain. John went North to Turkey. All of them with the sureness of what they had been taught, and learned; all of them with what they had seen took the message of God’s love out into the world; and one day it came to you.

Some of you have been churchmen almost all of your lives. Some for just a short time; but the message has reached you because someone loved you enough to tell you the story of Jesus’ birth at a Christmas time. Someone may have told you of how His light came forth at Epiphany. Another might have told you of the healings Jesus did as he traveled south from Galilee; or you might have been told of the miracle of Jesus feeding the 5000; or walking on water in the middle of a stormy sea, someone brought that news to you.

And then you were made aware of the bad news; of Jesus arrest and trial. When did you learn that story? How did you feel when you heard of his crucifixion and death? Someone brought all of those marvelous stories of God wanting to be in relationship with you, to you. Someone saw to it that you heard of His rising from the dead; His being with Thomas in the room with the others. Maybe you also at one time said, as Thomas once did, “My Lord, and my God”.

If ever you did, or if you can say that simple phrase now; know that it is your turn to take the message out into your world: Love God, and Love your neighbor as yourself. AMEN

Pastor’s Podium

The Pastor’s Podium column is offered each week by a different pastor or lay person representing an Ellsworth County church.

The week’s columnist is George Martin, pastor of the Holy Episcopal Church, Ellsworth.

(Luke 21:28) Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand.

Your ways, O LORD, make known to me;

teach me your paths,

Guide me in your truth and teach me,

for you are God my savior.

Good and upright is the LORD;

thus he shows sinners the way.

He guides the humble to justice,

he teaches the humble his way.

All the paths of the LORD are kindness and constancy toward those who keep his covenant and his decrees.

The friendship of the LORD is with those who fear him, and his covenant, for their instruction.