Keep it simple

I’ve always wondered about who the “seventy-two others” (ESV) were that Jesus sent out in pairs to tell people that the kingdom of God had come (Luke 10:1-12). It was no easy task, because scripture says they were like “sheep in the midst of a pack of wolves (p. 130). If a town wouldn’t welcome them they were to declare it verboten by shaking its dust off their feet. Jesus could have given them a short course on “Preaching the Gospel,” but instead, he simply sent them out without “money, a travel bag, or an extra pair of sandals”(v. 4).” No matter what may have happened as they carried out their mission, they “came back jubilant,” having been able to control the demonic opposition by the name of Jesus.
         Is there anything at all in this brief account that is relevant for today? Consider this: What Jesus wanted people to know was that the kingdom of God, that is, the time of his powerful reign, had now arrived. With the advent of Jesus, the Christ, the long awaiting promise of God to Israel, was being fulfilled. The Good News was not an argumentative attempt to prove the superiority of what Jesus taught, or a therapeutic venture to help people become better adjusted to this new reality. It was a powerful declaration, not a wordy explanation. Something of vital consequence was happening and there was more to come. The “end,” the fulfillment of God’s salvific work was building toward its glorious climax. The 72 were privileged to proclaim the wonderful news that evil had been dealt a fatal blow and God was triumphant, he had won the battle! “The kingdom of God has drawn near” (v. 9), in fact, it “has come.”
         Was that a message for that time only, or is it still somehow relevant today? Jesus said, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few” (v. 2 ). Is that still true? I believe it is as true now as it was then. Consider the fact that “Many people are ready for the harvest” (v. 2). It has been correctly said, ”God has put eternity in the heart of man.” We know that deep within the human soul there is a longing for “home.” We were not created to be “prodigal sons,” designed for riotous living in a foreign land. Can’t afford it anyway because now that we’ve gone through our inheritance so quickly we’ve landed here in this pigsty longing to be back home. This kind of person doesn’t need a theology, simply a way to get home. The 72 provided direction and we need to listen to what they’re saying. It’s all so simple and they are so happy about it. Listen to them as they go about shouting, “God reigns as king; Jesus died for you; Get up and join the parade. And hurry up because we are about to move on; the next town is waiting.”
         The gospel is complete in itself. It is the Good News of what God has done in and through Christ. There is nothing to add to it; it simply needs to be told. Not explained, not defended, not diminished by non-essential detail, just told. The only real problem is that due to its provocative nature, “the workers are few” (v. 2). And by workers I mean those like the 72 who simply tell the story, experienced the glory, and can hardly wait to set out on their next mission trip.