ON-THE-JOB TRAINING
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
And he called his twelve disciples together and began sending them out two by two, giving them authority to cast out evil spirits. He told them to take nothing for their journey except a walking stick—no food, no traveler’s bag, no money. He allowed them to wear sandals but not to take a change of clothes. “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.” 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 6:7-13 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
The ministry of Jesus now expands beyond Himself. Jesus has been teaching and training twelve disciples to carry on the ministry of the kingdom. Now it is time for the twelve to get “hands-on” training. Class is pausing for them to put into practice what they had seen and heard. They were to be Jesus’ representatives to a broken world. Jesus gives them specific authority to “cast our evil spirits.” They accomplished this task by telling people to “repent of their sins and turn to God.” After they preached this message, they cast out “many demons” and “healed many sick people.” The miracles of deliverance and healing were signs to confirm the message of the kingdom that was being preached. Jesus instructed them not to take a lot of clothes or money. They were to live by faith in their missionary journey. As we follow Jesus, we should recognize that the same authority Jesus gave these early disciples He has given to us. As Spirit-filled followers of Jesus we have been given authority to proclaim God’s kingdom, drive out evil spirits, and heal the sick. The supernatural should be a natural part of our lives. We should also be people who live by faith. We should not require others to support us or provide for us. We should be open to God’s moving in the hearts of others. We are on a faith journey.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Holy Spirit help me to realize Your power that is available for me this day and every day. Help me to live in constant contact with You.
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