Whatever House You Enter - Luke 9:4

Luke the beloved physician shared how Jesus, “called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece”, and in chapter nine and verse four of his book Luke shared how Jesus told His disciples, “whatsoever house you enter into, there abide, and then depart” where we read:

And whatsoever house you enter into, there abide, and then depart.

The verse reads, “And whatsoever house you enter into, ...” Luke began with the words, “and whatsoever” or “and in whatever or which ever” “house you enter into” which means “dwelling place, abode and habitation the disciples come into”. Luke shared how Jesus gave His disciples instructions concerning their “lodging” while on their journey.

The verse goes on to say, “... there abide, and then depart.” Luke continued with the words, “there abide” or “dwell, inhabit and stay within that house” “and then” which means “and at that time and afterward” “depart” or “leave and go forth”. Luke shared how Jesus told His disciples they were to “enter into whatever house, stay there while they ministered” and “leave” when they completed their ministry.

When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we learn how Jesus did not want His disciples to linger within any “dwelling place” nor were they to go from house to house within a village or town. They were not to “abuse” any hospitality that was offered them while they ministered. In other words, they were not to misuse “lodging courtesies” extended to them. Abusing the gratuity of people would bring reproach upon any words or actions the disciples gave, and Jesus wanted in no way to have people thinking badly of His gospel. God loves people, and no one should abuse the “offerings” given by people to those who minister His word. God's “gospel or good news” is extended to everyone without charge because Jesus already paid the price by dying on the cross. Those who are wise will not only receive Him as their personal “Savior and Lord”, but also be certain they never abuse gratuity given to them.

Next time Luke shares how Jesus told His disciples, “whosoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".