This passage describes the coming of Jesus to earth as someone who might become a merciful and faithful High Priest. One of the requirements of the High Priest in the Old Testament was to be a representative of the people before God. In becoming human, Jesus was made lower than the angels - He was the same as us. Jesus now goes before us and because of His human experience, He is able to be a true representative of us to God. When we fail regularly because of our sin, we have Jesus who will stand before God on our behalf and restores our relationship with Him. Jesus saves us from eternal death.

God spoke to people in ancient times through prophets and He continues to speak to us today through His Son, Jesus. God revealed himself progressively through the Old Testament teachings, but when Jesus came to earth the people were able to see the full glory of God, face to face. If we want to understand God, then we need Jesus to unlock what is revealed to us in the bible. Jesus carries the full authority of God, because He is the exact representation of God - Jesus is God!

In this passage Jesus encourages those He sends to approach each household with the intention of bringing peace. If a 'person of peace' is found at that place then peace will rest on them. If this isn't the case, they will move on to the next house. How do you recognise a 'person of peace'? You need look no further than the life of Jesus. The ministry of Jesus brought peace to people's lives. As we share the gospel of Jesus with others, we need to approach them with grace and peace.

Jesus gave His disciples the power and authority to heal the sick and sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God. Jesus then went on to appoint seventy-two others to go before Him to tell others about the hope He had to offer. They were few in number and not much has changed for us today. Our mission is to tell the world about Jesus. This mission is not just for trained workers, it is the responsibility of all believers. It is the greatest way in which we can serve Jesus as we proclaim His salvation. The task is not an easy one and the need for more workers is great. Are you looking for opportunities of sharing the gospel of Jesus to those around you?

Despite difficult circumstances facing the Jews, the prophet Habakkuk accepts that through any adversity he and the Jews were to face, that he would trust God, rejoice and be joyful in Him. If we place our trust in someone, other than Jesus, and that person goes away, our life can be turned upside down. It is easy to find security in the things we have. We need to take our eyes off the world and focus on Jesus. Happiness is dependant on circumstances. We need to have the joy that Habakkuk showed, one that defies circumstances. We need to trust in God in all circumstances, the One who never changes. God never grows tired and weary - He will give strength to those who need it.