Military missions intend to impose their will on the people. Not so with Jesus. At no point in His ministry did the Lord ever make people follow Him or serve Him. Many did believe, but not because He forced them, it was because they trusted Him - His words and actions breathed out hope that it was possible to have peace with God. So when Jesus sent His men out in twos, on mission in His Name, they were instructed to stay in the homes of people who wanted God's peace.
 
The disciples had no money to pay for accommodation or food but the Lord would arrange for a meal and a bed to be provided. All they had to do was to find the home and host. As they entered a town they were to identify themselves as coming in God's peace. When someone offered hospitality, the trainee apostles were to go to their home and pronounce God's peace (Luke 10:5-7). Some would welcome God's peace, and they should stay there.
 
Other householders would resist the greeting. Their attitude would be uneasy because they were unwilling to allow God to be the peacekeeper in their home (Colossians 3:15). If so, the disciples should not force themselves or their message on the home. If nobody welcomed them in the village, they should move on to a place which did want God's peace. They should not feel guilty or think they had failed - those who refuse God's peace would have to face God's judgement.
 
God knows where the spiritually hungry people are located. The task of the church is to locate them and explain how Jesus is the answer to their search for peace. Many proud and rebellious people will particularly resist Christ: they have to answer to God and not you. Instead, seek out the seekers: they are everywhere but few people advertise themselves as longing for God's peace. You have to announce that peace is available through Christ. You may not be a travelling missionary in need of accommodation but the principle is the same. Announce God's peace through Christ and see who responds! When they do, gently lead them to Christ (www.crosscheck.org.uk).