The Gospel of Luke

This devotional is written by Tim Luft. Tim is on the worship team and can be found playing drums on behind the sound desk.

Jesus sends out the Twelve

9 When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal those who were ill. 3 He told them: ‘Take nothing for the journey – no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt. 4 Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. 5 If people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.' 6 So they set out and went from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere.

Jesus has given us power and authority!

A few years ago while preparing for a work trip, a friend arrived to give me a lift to the Airport. He could see I was stressing about what I was bringing and whether I had everything I needed. He asked “Have you got your passport” “Yes” I replied “Great.” he said, “Everything else you can buy when you arrive”. As soon as he said it I relaxed. I got so caught up in the stress of whether I had food, money, clothes, electronic devices, that I could have easily forgotten the one key that would make the whole trip possible. 

I believe that’s why Jesus asks the disciples to take nothing for the journey, to not get caught up in anything other than the power and authority he has given them to drive out demons, cure diseases and, heal the sick, therefore it is in his strength, that they can depend on God, and that he will supply all their needs. 

I find it very easy to read this verse and think “Whoa, intense, demons and disease, sounds full on!” I think that is when I put just myself in this situation without considering what he has given us and what it's all about. I feel Jesus is saying don’t trouble yourself or complicate it, show up, step out, I will do the work.

Prayer
Father, help us with all that can lead us into distraction and fear, help us to not get caught up in our words or circumstances but for us to understand that when we pray your power and authority is at work.