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. 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. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.
- Luke 10:1-4

After the resurrection, the disciples have a conversation with Jesus. They ask if He is now going to do what they expected all along: restore the kingdom to Israel. Jesus replies, “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

In other words: Don’t worry about when God will act in that way — I’ve got something for you to do. If you’re asking God, “What’s the plan?” the answer is: You are the plan.

God’s calling always includes sending. Throughout Scripture – from Abraham to Mary Magdalene – those who encounter God are drawn into His mission. It’s not about our initiatives but about joining what God is already doing (Missio Dei). The Father sends the Son, the Son and the Father send the Spirit, and the Triune God sends the Church. This sending isn’t reserved for an elite few; it belongs to the whole church. Even those who feel weak or unqualified – like the women at the tomb – are sent. Our inadequacy only highlights that the power belongs to God, not to us. Every believer is part of the plan.

Second, mission has two edges: declaration and demonstration. It’s not just about preaching but about embodying God’s kingdom in word and deed – through healing, presence, and practical care. Mission isn’t merely about individual conversion; it’s holistic and relational. The point isn’t strategy, but discernment: how is God calling you to be a healing presence where you are?

Third, mission must be rooted in having truly received. The 72 return to Jesus rejoicing in their spiritual authority, but He redirects them: don’t rejoice in your power, rejoice that your names are written in heaven. Our secure foundation is our identity as God’s beloved. If our motivation is rooted in performance, failure will shake us. But if it’s grounded in who we are in Christ – citizens of heaven, loved, forgiven, and sent – then we can step out boldly toward neighbours, friends, and even strangers.

Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” We are the creative work of God – and He has creative work for us to do in return. As Tim Keller said: “There are some hands only you can hold. Some needs only you can meet. Some demons only you can cast out.”