‘And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits. He commanded them to take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bag, no bread, no copper in their money belts— but to wear sandals, and not to put on two tunics.’ Mark 6:7-9
Jesus was carrying out His ministry traveling, healing, and calling people to repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand. Then He sends the disciples to go and do the same thing (He had only been with them for a short time).
They may have been nervous, some may have been excited but Jesus sent them. That is what matters: “Jesus sent them”.
He sent them two by two, gave them power over unclean spirits, and called them to go out and preach this gospel of repentance, cast out demons, and heal the sick. ‘So they went out and preached that people should repent. And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them.’ – Mark 6:12-13
Wow, they were successful!!!
Jesus was preparing them for this moment, even though Jesus may (or may not) have told them that they were going to actively participate in His ministry sooner than later.
As they spent time with Jesus, they were getting prepared for such a time as this. Yet, this was just the training ground for more was to come after the resurrection. We see later in the book of Acts the wonderful things God did through the ministry of the Apostles.
Like the Apostles, the more we spend time with God, the more we hear Him calling us.
It is in His word: ‘Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.’ Matthew 28:19-20
The more we spend time with God, the more He prepares us.
Jesus brought them along when He healed the sick and raised the dead. Jesus taught them how to pray.
He also has not left us orphans, we have the Holy Spirit, working in us, teaching us (John 14).
Don’t let this truth pass you by: even if you think this is not the time, who knows whether you are here (in your job, school, family) for such a time as this.
Seek God. Lay aside your unbelief, your doubt, your pride and trust God.
Choose to believe and know that God’s strength is made perfect in your weakness.
PRAYER: Father, help me to walk by faith and not by sight. Help me Lord to be strengthened by Your power, to have all the endurance and patience that I need to do Your will in Jesus name(Col 1:11). Amen.