25/12/10

Ministering for the Lord

Mark 6: 30,31 - And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught. And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.


Lord Jesus had taught the twelve the basic foundation and had sent them in pairs to get an on hand experience of ministering. He was training them for their future mission and since they were not fully ready He sent them in pairs and not alone.

When they came back they had amazing testimonies to tell Jesus and were so excited that they were telling Him all that happened and all they could not believe they were teaching. All this happened to them just because of how Jesus had sent them.

When Jesus sent them He gave them authority over unclean (evil) spirits and sent them with just bare necessities. He did not allow then to carry any money which they could have used in case of need nor allowed them even an extra set of clothes. Forget extra set of clothes, Jesus did not even allow them to carry extra underclothes (tunic).

People may find this very unhygienic that for the number of days that they were out on this assignment they needed to live with the same undergarments.

We can even understand these instructions but Jesus even told them not to carry their water bottles (leather bag, for water was ported in them) nor bread for their journey. If one understands the terrain of Judah, the place in which they existed this would be like a suicide mission. Imagine passing in the desert like area and having no water with you. Unless some other travelers were not around or a public well nearby you will not get a drop. Also if people do not allow them shelter and food then things can be disastrous to them. In this state the only thing that they could trust on is that Jesus Christ who was special to God (for at that time they did not know Him well) had sent them.

When they went forth, trusting on Jesus' word they saw great wonders happening. One thing also needs to be realized that although they did wonders they did not draw attention to themselves but only to the one who sent them. They did not think 'ah I can heal people, teach them new and amazing things and case even evil spirit so I will start my own ministry and make a name for myself'.

The effect of their ministering wherever they had gone was also experienced by Jesus, so much that people kept pouring to meet Jesus continuously.

All those among us ministering for the Lord Jesus, let us learn from these twelve. Let us also remember they were not perfect for among them was also Judas. The only reason of the success was they trusted Jesus and abided by His Word.


[ Prayer Starter ]
Lord, help us to have the same faith as the twelve had when they went out on the mission. Help us to be sober and understand You are the provider of all our needs. People are just means but it is by your hand we receive. Help us understand our mission is all about You and not us...

This prayer we make in Jesus' Name, Amen.


[ Reference Scripture ]
Mark 6:7-15 (words in italic which were added for readability are removed)
7 And he called the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;
8 And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:
9 But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.
10 And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.
11 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.
12 And they went out, and preached that men should repent.
13 And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed.
14 And king Herod heard; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.
15 Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.

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