Gave Them Authority

To Drive Out Impure Spirits

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

Matthew 9:35-38

Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.

Matthew 10:1

As your children grow up, they want to help. They want to help their mother cook, and clean the house. They want to help their Dad mow the lawn. The point is, if we did not let our children help, we could get the work done quicker. However, at the end of the day, sons and daughters really do like to help. They are proud that they can do something.

From the beginning, God has relied on people to advance His work. After equipping Adam to cultivate the land and supervise the animals, God left the work of the garden in his hand.

That pattern continues today. When God wanted a dwelling place on earth, a tabernacle and temple did not descend from the sky; thousands of artists and craftsmen work to fashion each.

As a father does with his children, so does God welcome us as His kingdom partners.

God uses humble servants to accomplish His great work.

Our Daily Bread – March 5, 2014