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Wednesday, September 26, 2007 Meditation Luke 9:1-6 Jesus was not naïve about the hardships of traveling. Having walked many miles proclaiming God’s kingdom, he understood perfectly well what was needed for long journeys. Yet as he sent the apostles out, Jesus told them not to bother about the very things that made traveling possible. Yes, he gave them “power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases” and preach. But then he turned around and told them to take “nothing” for their journey: “neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money” (Luke 9:1-3). What about their practical needs? It just doesn’t make sense! When you think about it, though, what sense does it make for Almighty God to work his miraculous, healing power through mere human beings at all? Why would he depend on us to preach his kingdom? Why would God choose us to do his supernatural work? Incredible as it seems, God wants to show his power to us and make us instruments through which that power is manifested to the rest of the world. Our part is to respond with the kind of faith and trust that allow him to work. Jesus meant it when he said, “whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12). What an overwhelming thought! But as Jesus told these apostles before sending them out, trust in God makes this possible. When we look to our heavenly Father, he supplies everything we need. God has such confidence in us because he has provided us with all the grace we need to do his mission. The question is, do we have confidence in God? When someone tells you about an illness, pray in faith that they be healed. If family relationships are strained, pray and expect miracles in Jesus’ name! God wants his wonders to be a normal part of life. So start praying with anticipation and watch for God to work. Write down your intercessory prayers, and record how they are answered. It won’t take you long to fill an entire notebook! “Holy Spirit, empower all your people to be witnesses to the kingdom. Help us to take you at your word and to receive all the grace you offer. Make us ambassadors of your love.” Ezra 9:5-9; (Psalm) Tobit 13:2-4,7-8 |
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