Daily Reading: (Colossians 2:6-7):
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
“After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go” (Luke 10:1).
Right away we discover that Jesus was actively working with more than just 12 men. There were 70 others but let’s expand this even further. We know from His relationship with Mary, Martha, Lazarus, and others that Jesus wasn’t secluding Himself to just 12. Jesus influenced and taught men, women, and even children. “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14).
The seventy’s faith was strengthened before they were sent because they were about to be involved in God’s miracle working power: “Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you” (Luke 10:9). The mission that Jesus gave the 72 is the same mission that He gave the 12 and it is the same mission that He has given to you, “go and make disciples.” Imagine if God healed someone’s cancer through you as you laid your hands on and prayed over them and spoke God’s Word over their life. How joyful would you be to partake in such a life changing miraculous event? Luke writes, “The seventy returned with joy,” — exhilarated God used them in such ministry — “saying, ‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name” (Luke 10:17)!
How will I be able to be a part of God’s miracle working power touching lives?
“Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you (Luke 10:18–19).” You already have the authority to do it, you might just need to have your faith initiated by hearing the Word of God. Romans 10:17 (AMP): “So faith comes from hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the [preaching of the] message concerning Christ.”
The Scriptures teach that the hearing of faith and the works of the law are total opposites (Galatians 3:2,5). And since the works of the law are about our self-efforts, this means that there is no self-effort in faith only trust. So, what is our part in believing? Trust the Good Shepherd.
This is why Jesus told the seventy: “Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves” (Luke 10:3). This doesn’t sound like it would instill a lot of confidence in the seventy but it does. Where does the protection of the lambs come from? It doesn’t come from the lambs. Their protection is found with the Shepherd. Your protection while embarking on Kingdom work isn’t from yourself. This is great Gospel news. The One with all authority and all power, the Great Shepherd is watching over and protecting you.
“Do not take a purse or bag or sandals, and do not greet anyone on the road” (Luke 10:4). Go as you are. You have everything you need to successfully fulfill your God-given mission (Luke 10:4). Your mission is not going to be successfully based on what you bring but Who is sending you.
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. (Colossians 2:6-7).
It was the Word of God, Jesus Christ and their time spent with Him that resulted in the success of their mission, and the faith to go and so it is with us. I am the Vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him bears much fruit, for [otherwise] apart from Me [that is, cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
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