Thoughts for the Day

Then Jesus called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. He said to them, ‘Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money—not even an extra tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there, and leave from there. Wherever they do not welcome you, as you are leaving that town shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.’ They departed and went through the villages, bringing the good news and curing diseases everywhere....

(Church in Wales Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

I remember aged 16 years old, getting a job as an accounting clerk in a small firm. I was extremely pleased and started work, only to find the job was totally beyond me - not surprising really since I have never been a "number person". I can deal with double entry book-keeping, but working with numbers isn't natural to me, and I can never remember numbers. Give me some text and I can visualise where it comes in a book, but numbers, forget it! Needless to say, I left the job after two days.

Today we see Jesus sending out the disciples before he leaves them. He has called them to be his disciples, and they have worked with him for some time but now he gives them power and authority to heal and to proclaim the Kingdom of God, in what we might say is a "trial-run". After his Ascension into Heaven, they will wait in Jerusalem until Pentecost when they will receive this power and authority in the shape of the Holy Spirit, to build up the new Church and spread the Gospel throughout the world.

It is not enough to be called to a job or to be a Christian, we need to be given the power and authority to do the job. Each of us is given that power as we need it - to talk to friends about our faith; to pray for those who are sick; or to help the needy. Those whom God calls, He also equips for the task! We may not feel we are up to the work, but as we try to do His will we will find He is with us!

Lord Jesus Christ,
as You called Your disciples
and gave them the power and authority
to heal and to spread the Gospel,
You have also called us.
Help us to see what work You
would have us do,
and give us the power and authority
to carry it out.
Amen.