Who, me?

Is anyone else shocked by Jesus’ words to His disciples in Matthew 9 and 10? Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions: “Don’t go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans, but only to the people of Israel—God’s lost sheep. Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!" The time to watch and wonder was over. They were given authority by Jesus and it was time to act. Can you imagine Peter looking at his brother, Andrew, with his mouth hanging open? Thomas wondering, “Me? Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure leprosy and cast out demons? Jesus is giving me His power?” James and John may have been jumping up and down saying “Let’s go!” Maybe they all were. Or maybe they were all shocked. 

Mark 6 records the apostles going out in pairs, So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent. And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them. They stepped out in faith and God’s power was active! Jesus has probably asked you to do something shocking before. Something you did not feel prepared for. How did you tackle it? My guess is you did it with faith and fervor, trusting God to help you every step of the way. Same as the apostles. They were chosen to live three shocking, spectacular years with Jesus on earth. You were chosen to live a spectacular and sometimes shocking life with Jesus, too. God’s grace and power to you on your journey! ~Tracy