July 8, 2018
Mark 6:7-13…“So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.” vss. 12-13
After the debacle in Nazareth, it appears that Jesus doubled down. He saw his rejection as an anomaly and was convinced that his early Galilean efforts at proclaiming the kingdom could be expanded, and that his disciples could do more than just follow him around. They were ready for mission and after authorizing them to do his work, he sent them out. Not much is known about the long term results of that early activity. After initial success, it probably fizzled out with the perceived failure of Jesus’ mission. But the pattern was never forgotten by the early church. After the resurrection, countless disciples, filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and infected by the presence of the Risen Christ, went out into the villages, towns, and cities of the entire Roman empire and beyond. And everywhere they proclaimed a gospel of grace and repentance and backed it up with ministries of healing and love. Since then, the Church has had more than its share of demonic setbacks and distortions. Too often the unscrupulous have corrupted the pure message of love with their lust for power and gain. But the light has never gone out and Jesus’ words continue to be heard. And now it’s our turn. We have the power and we’ve been authorized to go with the gospel to battle the demons and bring healing to the hurting. We are Christ’s presence in the world!
Thought for the Day: How seriously do I take my call?
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