This was quite a moment for the disciples. Jesus’ command required them to be bold, both in their witness and their faith.
When we get ready for a trip, or even a day’s outing, we prepare with packing, having enough money, maybe taking a jacket, snacks, etc. Can you imagine leaving the house for a mission with nothing?
The difference? Jesus’ power. When he called them together, it says he gave them power and authority. Their mission was to tell everyone about the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. We’ve been given a similar mission, have we not?
So how are you doing in your mission for Jesus? How many people have you exposed to his loving promise this week? How are you helping to further the kingdom? God’s grace is for everyone, but not everyone knows that yet!
Maybe you need a little nudge. This will be a good reminder that you also have the power of God at your disposal. He is encouraging you and providing the guidance you’ll need. Our problem is us. We think we need to be Bible scholars, or have some amazing conversion story. Am I right? Is that what’s holding you back?
What did the disciples have? Only the power of Jesus. We have that and more. We have our stories of how Jesus has transformed our lives. A true “before and after”. In marketing, we talk about our life before the product, and of course how much better things are after using it. Not that Jesus is a “product”, but he is “everything” we need to live a transformed life.
Jesus gives the instruction to stay where you are welcomed. And should you not be welcomed – no worries! Jesus said, “And if a town refuses to welcome you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate.”
In ministry, there were times, and I’m sure there will be more, when I have felt less than welcome in a community. I can remember one instance when I told our daughter, Sarah, “we just have to shake its dust from our feet!” In other words, walk away and forget, don’t dwell on it. Easier said than done.
You’ve probably heard the old saying, “You can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make him drink.” Sometimes I have adopted this into my own ministry and now business. While I know that Jesus is the way, and I’m looking for all sorts of ways to make that known, some folks just won’t get it. I’ve planted the seed. Maybe I’ll get the opportunity to water it. For sure, I’m praying for those to come along that will water it until it blooms.
Take a moment to thank God for the power he has given you.
Let’s pray. Father God, you have given me a task to spread the Good News to others. Please use this devotional and the testimony of my life to speak to others, creating a curiosity to know you. May my own walk with you only go deeper as I yearn to know you better and walk in your way for me. Help me not to let the nay-sayers or those who ignore me bother me. I am trusting in you today to bring about a miracle. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Jesus is at it again, teaching and healing. Oh, to have been in his circle of close followers to see all of these things up close and personal. Do you ever wonder what was going through their minds? Did they ever imagine in their wildest dreams they would be part of Biblical history?
There are a lot of miracle stories we could lump together, but some deserve their own time of reflection. Like today’s story. When you put yourself there in the story, didn’t your heart race a little bit when you stood in awe and amazement at what was unfolding before your eyes?
We’ve got two stories today with similarities and differences.
