7 And he called 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, “Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you depart from there. 11 And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” 12 So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent. 13 And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.
Jesus took his most faithful followers (the 12 apostles) and started to send them out among the people. Two by two he sent them out.
Before he sent them out though, he gave them authority over the unclean spirits. And they used that authority as they went as they cast out many demons.
I find it hard you know. To think of the presence of demons. So much is explained nowadays as people having mental illness or making bad choices or just having behaviour/social problems. But have people really changed all that much from bible times? Everywhere Jesus and the disciples went they cast out demons and I'm guessing if Jesus were here among us now he'd be doing the same thing.
So why don't we see them?
Is it that we don't believe in them anymore?
Is everything to easily explained?
I know it's not the important part of this passage, it just makes me wonder.
Anyways,, here was Jesus, teaching his disciples to go out among the people in his name. Sending them out two by two.
They took for no food for the journey, no clothes for the trip, no money in their belts. They simply went out. They had the very clothes on their back and nothing more.
Exercise in faith eh?
I would have a hard time doing that. BUT going with a companion would make it easier you know? Having someone else to share the journey, and the telling of who the Lord is. Having a companion would make a vital difference. It's good to have someone share the journey.
Jesus did give them a specific directive though. If you are welcomed into someone's house, stay there until it is time to go. BUT if anyone won't accept you, if they reject you, be specific in your actions. Shake the very dust of the place off your shoes.... it's a testimony against them.
So off went the disciples, companionable together.
- Proclaiming to everyone they met the need for repentance.
- Casting out demons.
- Anointing the sick with oil.
- Healing the sick.
It's hard sometimes you know.
I look at my life and I wonder, am I doing what the Lord charged me to?
I often see my life as being rather insignificant.
Quiet little pastor's wife, content in her own little corner of the world. Not making waves. Content to raise her boy, sell bunnies and hopefully be a good support to her pastor hubby.
I can't see myself travelling around preaching, healing, driving out demons...you know...making a difference in the lives of others.
At one point I did... I saw myself out on the mission field doing great missionary things. But life changed. Married, with a child, doing my thing here.
Sometimes I wonder if I'm living the life I was called to live. But aware of this big fact. God gave me a son, and I"m doing my best to raise him for the Lord. I fail miserably sometimes, but I keep trying you know? To live out that calling.
How about you?
Are you living the life that you were called to?