Matthew 10 - 8.6.24

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew 10:1  "Jesus called His twelve disciples to Him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness."

OBSERVATION:  From the hundreds of people who followed Jesus, He called twelve to be His apostles.  Apostle means messenger or authorized representative.  Jesus didn't choose them because of their faith, talents or abilities, and they didn't have any more leadership potential than those who weren't chosen. The one characteristic they all shared was their willingness to follow and obey Jesus. 

After Jesus' rose from the dead and ascended to heaven, they were all filled with the Holy Spirit Who empowered them to carry out special roles in the growth of the early church.  (Footnotes from Mark 3:14 NIV).

APPLICATION:  God calls us to faith in Jesus.  To those who say yes to following Jesus, God gives us authority in Jesus' name to serve and minister in His power and His love.  Being called by God is the highest calling anyone can receive, and the rewards and blessings are endless!  But... there is a cost for following Jesus.  Just like the disciples experienced hardships and opposition from the government and their family and friends, we will too!  As our society gets further and further away from God, we have the responsibility as Christ followers to pray that the Word of the Lord spreads rapidly and will be held in honor, and be glorified.  We are the body of Christ, and when Jesus rose from the dead, He transferred His authority on earth to His body, the Church.  We are His heir, and everything that is His, including His authority belongs to us.  When adversity arises, we are able to use our authority in Jesus' name by speaking out His Word, and God's Word is backed by all the power in heaven!  And His Word NEVER returns void!  "...So is My Word that goes out from My mouth:  It will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."  (Isaiah 55:11).

PRAYER:  Lord, just like You called and gave authority to Your disciples, You have called and given us the same authority in Jesus' name.  We are living in a very dark time in history, but thank You that we don't have to fear because You are with us, and You have given us power over the enemy that is backed by all Your power!   Help us always to remember to use the power, the strength, and the authority that You have given us in Jesus' name. 

- Robin Orefice