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Scripture: Mark 6:7-13
7 And he called to him the twelve, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; 9 but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. 10 And he said to them, "Where you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. 11 And if any place will not receive you and they refuse to hear you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet for a testimony against them." 12 So they went out and preached that men should repent. 13 And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many that were sick and healed them.
Meditation: What kind of authority and power does the Lord want you to exercise on his behalf? Jesus gave his apostles both the power and the authority to speak and to act in his name. He commanded them to do the works which he did - to heal the sick, to cast out evil spirits, and to speak the word of God - the good news of the Gospel which they received from Jesus. When Jesus spoke of power and authority he did something unheard of. He wedded power and authority with self-sacrificing love and humility. The "world" and the "flesh" (our own sinful inclination) seek power for selfish gain. Jesus teaches us to use it for the good of our neighbor.
The Lord Jesus wants to work in and through each of us for
his glory
Why does Jesus tell the apostles to "travel light" with little or
no provision? "Poverty of spirit" frees us from greed and
preoccupation with our possessions and makes ample room for God's
provision. The Lord wants his disciples to be dependent on him and
not on themselves. He wills to work in and through each of us for
his glory. Are you ready to use the spiritual authority and power
which God wishes you to exercise on his behalf? The Lord entrusts
us with his gifts and talents. Are you eager to place yourself at
his service, to do whatever he bids you, and to witness his truth
and saving power to whomever he sends you?
"Lord Jesus, make me a channel of your healing power and merciful love that others may find abundant life and freedom in you. Free me from all other attachments that I may joyfully pursue the treasure of your heavenly kingdom. May I witness the joy of the Gospel both in word and deed."
Psalm 48:2-11
2 Beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth, Mount
Zion, in the far north, the city of the great King.
3 Within her citadels God has shown himself a sure defense.
4 For behold, the kings assembled, they came on together.
5 As soon as they saw it, they were astounded, they were in panic,
they took to flight;
6 trembling took hold of them there, anguish as of a woman in
travail.
7 By the east wind you did shatter the ships of Tarshish.
8 As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the LORD of hosts, in the city of our God, which God
establishes for ever. [Selah]
9 We have thought on your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of
your temple.
10 As your name, O God, so your praise reaches to the ends of the
earth. Your right hand is filled with victory;
11 let Mount Zion be glad! Let the daughters of Judah rejoice
because of your judgments!
"The grace bestowed upon the holy apostles is
worthy of all admiration. But the bountifulness of the Giver
surpasses all praise and admiration. He gives them, as I said, his
own glory. They receive authority over the evil spirits. They
reduce to nothing the pride of the devil that was so highly
exalted and arrogant. They render ineffectual the demon’s
wickedness. By the might and efficacy of the Holy Spirit, burning
them as if they were on fire, they make the devil come forth with
groans and weeping from those whom he had possessed...
"He glorified his disciples, therefore, by
giving them authority and power over the evil spirits and over
sicknesses. Did he honor them without reason and make them famous
without any logical cause? How can this be true? It was necessary,
most necessary, that they should be able to work miracles, having
been publicly appointed ministers of sacred proclamations. By
means of their works, they then could convince men that they were
the ministers of God and mediators of all beneath the heaven. The
apostles then could invite them all to reconciliation and
justification by faith and point out the way of salvation and of
life that is this justification." (excerpt from COMMENTARY
ON LUKE, HOMILY 47)
Scripture quotations from Common Bible:
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright
1973, and Ignatius Edition of the Revised Standard
Version of the Bible, copyright 2006, by the
Division of Christian Education of the National
Council of the Churches of Christ in the United
States of America. Used by permission. All rights
reserved. Citation references for quotes from
the writings of the early church fathers can be
found here.
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The Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations is in need of on-going development to expand resources and to reach people around the world. If you would like to contribute, you can make an online donation. |