November 10, 2011
Mark 6: 7-13 (NLT)
And he called his twelve disciples together and began sending them out two by two, giving them authority to cast out evil spirits. He told them to take nothing for their journey except a walking stick—no food, no traveler’s bag, no money. He allowed them to wear sandals but not to take a change of clothes. “Wherever you go,” he said, “stay in the same house until you leave town. But if any place refuses to welcome you or listen to you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate.” So the disciples went out, telling everyone they met to repent of their sins and turn to God. And they cast out many demons and healed many sick people, anointing them with olive oil.
I am guilty. Guilty of sometimes looking so deeply into things that I miss the simple truths in it. This reading has many simple truths, but among the most profound are the following:
1. We are the hands and feet Christ.
One of my mentors, Major Hogue, is fond of saying - “we are Jesus with skin on.” Jesus prepares us, like He did for His disciples, to go out and share the Good News with others. And we should do it with “joyful urgency” (verse 12, The Message). People will respond to Jesus more when we take the time to build relationship with them and share the joys of Jesus with them. And what a privilege Jesus gives us to share Him with others.
2. “You are the equipment.” (verse 8, The Message)
Much of what we enjoy at Refuge - the food, the band, the sound system, the gym, the ministries, the Powerpoint screen, the televisions - is not a necessity when it comes to sharing Jesus with others. Please don’t take this offensively. All of these things are wonderful blessings which add to our lives of worship. But Jesus was clear on the necessities of our mission - its us! We are the greatest testimony to others. The life-change in us. The proof that “life can be radically different.” (verse 12, The Message)
3. Accountability.
Jesus sent the disciples out two by two. I won’t pretend to know all the reasons He did so, but this much I do know: Two are stronger than one. They can strengthen and encourage one another, hold each other accountable, and bind together in prayer and service to do the miraculous. When one falls, the other picks them up. They lean on each other until the finish line.
