Mark 6:7-8, 10-13
“Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits. These were his instructions: “Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” They went out and preached that people should repent. They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.”
Mark 6:7-8, 10-13 NIV
The gospel calls every believer to believe what Jesus believed, lived as Jesus lived, loved as Jesus loved, and serve as Jesus served. That’s exactly what Mark is trying to teach us. We are learning who Jesus is and what it means to follow Him in our daily lives.
We can go about our daily lives and sometimes forget that we are Christians. Jesus sent his disciples out with all they needed in order to bless those with whom they came into contact.
We are in contact with different people every day of our lives. Do we testify to those with whom we come into contact? Do we tell them of the Gospel of Jesus?
Why do we feel as though we are not equipped to do that daily? We have all we need to go into the world and deliver the words of Jesus.
If what we offer is not accepted or welcomed, we should not stop there. We should shake the dust off our feet and continue on casting out demons and anointing with oil. This is what we are called to do.
As we consider the call to faithfully share the message of Jesus we must be obedient. We go, not in our own power, but in His, knowing that God will provide. While not all will believe we can trust that God is accomplishing His plan in the world. We should be thankful for the faithfulness of the Apostles and likewise strive to be faithful in our generation.
There is a principle hidden within the miracles that we should not overlook. All the miracles were acts that demonstrated the compassion, mercy, and loving kindness of God. Jesus was sympathetic, tender, and compassionate. He wanted His followers to be the same. Don’t get caught up and obsessed with doing miracles, get caught up and obsessed with showing compassion. Care about people. Love people. Bless people. Bring encouragement, hope, and joy into people’s lives.
We can say that we are unable to do this. That it is too difficult a task, too much for any human. And it is true. Even Jesus found that being Jesus was too arduous a task. But Jesus didn't do it himself. He depended on the power of God, and did only what God had given Him the power to do. Jesus is not asking any more from us.
Yes, Jesus commands us to lay hands on people and heal them. But it is not our power, but God's that heal. Jesus commands us to preach the kingdom of God. But it is not our words, but his we use. Yes, Jesus commands us to travel with nothing but clothes. But we are dependent not on our provision, but God's. This is why the life of Jesus requires faith. Because we cannot see what we rely on.
Each of you has a ministry. Every follower of Jesus can serve like Jesus served, loved like Jesus loved, bless like Jesus blessed. Serve those in your family. Serve those you work with and go to school with. Serve those you go to church with.
May our daily lives truly reflect a people chosen by God, whom God has taken for His own, to make His love known and shared in our families and the society at large. Let us remember that we are chosen, that we are not alone, and that we can draw strength from knowing we are one with each other, sisters and brothers in Christ. We may be rich or poor materially, but in Christ we have everything. We must constantly remind ourselves that God chose us for a purpose and, we must strive to achieve it, by witnessing to His love.
Today Jesus also calls us to preach and teach. We also are His disciples. Jesus calls us to reach out and touch others with our love, care and concern. In today’s world when most everyone is in a hurry or too busy to slow down, we can give the gift of our interest, time and support. This may not sound like much of a gift. However a few minutes of truly being present to another person may be the most precious gift they will receive today!!!
Father thank You for this day and please forgive any latent prejudice that lingers in our hearts today. Lord let Your abundant blessings flow over my friend and family today. Lord we never want our preconceptions to keep us from sharing Your Good News with people. Lord grant us a true understanding of Your saving mercy and grace, so that, freed from fear and from the power of our foes, we may serve You faithfully all the days of our lives. Lord use my friend an I’s efforts to expand Your Kingdom and reach more people with your saving grace. Lord we pray that we will have our hearts and minds prepared as we go and make disciples. Daddy we love You amen. Be a blessing. Love ya !!
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