Today’s Reading: Matthew 10:1-15; Mark 6:7-13; Luke 9:1-6
As Jesus traveled from village to village his twelve disciples stayed by his side, but today was different. Jesus gathered his disciples together and sent them out to various places in groups of two. He gave them the authority to cast out demons and heal the sick by anointing them with olive oil. The disciples took nothing with them except the clothes on their back and a walking stick, and Jesus gave them these instructions:
“Wherever you go,” he said, “stay in the same house until you leave town. But if any place refuses to welcome you or listen to you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate.” – Mark 6:10-11
Jesus’ instructions to his disciples are another great reminder that we are responsible to do what God has called us to do, but we must leave the results of our obedience in God’s hands. We cannot make the decision for someone else; we must trust God with the results.
“One day Jesus called together his twelve disciples…” – Luke 9:1a
JESUS CALLED THEM.
When I was a child, I accepted what Jesus had done FOR me by dying on the cross for my sins. I acknowledged that I was a sinner in need of God’s unmerited favor. I understood God’s love for me and invited Jesus to live in my heart. As a teenager, I became tired of my tendency towards selfishness and pride. I stopped striving towards my own version of perfection and submitted to the work God wanted to do IN me through the Holy Spirit.
As I studied the scriptures and grew in my understanding, I began to long for a specific calling from God. I consistently prayed for less of me and more of God in my life. I surrendered my plans for the future and told the Lord He could do whatever he wanted to do THROUGH me. At age seventeen, the Lord called me and I gave Him my “Yes”.
“One day Jesus called together his twelve disciples and gave them power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases.” – Luke 9:1
JESUS EQUIPPED THEM.
The Lord does not call us without equipping us! I am so grateful for that truth this morning. He gives us what we need to fulfill His purposes through us. No matter what He is asking you to do, He will equip you to do.
Now I must admit that there are times when I feel overwhelmed by what God has called me to do. My first reaction is to focus on my shortcomings and deficiencies, forgetting that I was never meant to lean on my own strength by to rely on His. In fact, His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Do you believe that this morning? Do you have faith that He will accomplish His will through you today by His power and not yours?
“Take nothing for your journey,” he instructed them. “Don’t take a walking stick, a traveler’s bag, food, money, or even a change of clothes.” – Luke 9:3
Sometimes following God’s call comes with specific instructions about what He wants you to leave behind. It can be just as much about what He wants you to let go of as what He wants you to hold on to. Listen carefully to Jesus this morning. Ask Him if there is something you are clinging to that is obstructing your availability to be used by Him.
Then he sent them out to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. – Luke 9:2
JESUS SENT THEM.
So they began their circuit of the villages, preaching the Good News and healing the sick. – Luke 9:6
Scripture does not mention that any of the disciples refused to do what Jesus was instructing them to do. As far as we know, they did not poll their friends and family to see what they thought they should do. They neither filled their pockets nor packed their bags. Jesus sent them and they went. God equipped them and miracles took place. The Spirit gave them the words to speak and many received salvation. It was their choice to obey but the results were due to the wonder-working power of God!
THIS WAS THEIR GOD-GIVEN PURPOSE AND THEY CHOSE TO WALK IN IT.
So the disciples went out, telling everyone they met to repent of their sins and turn to God. And they cast out many demons and healed many sick people, anointing them with olive oil. – Mark 6:12-13
Lord, I am listening. Renew in me the willingness to be called by you to go anywhere to anyone at any time. I want my heart to be fully available to you, as well as my calendar and my resources. Thank you for the reminder that your grace is sufficient for me, and that your power is made perfect in my weakness. Amen.