12 08 08 The Journey

“Jesus called the Twelve together. He gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to heal sicknesses. Then he sent them out to preach about God's kingdom and to heal those who were sick. He told them, ‘Don't take anything for the journey. Do not take a walking stick or a bag. Do not take any bread, money or extra clothes. When you are invited into a house, stay there until you leave town. Some people may not welcome you. If they don't, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town. This will be a witness against the people living there.’ So the Twelve left. They went from village to village. They preached the good news and healed people everywhere.” (Luke 9:1-6 NIrV)

The Jewish people need to see the power of the Kingdom of God at work. Hurting people needed hope. Families worried about their future. A nation in turmoil needed more than just promises. As Jesus sent the twelve, He sent them with His power, nothing more: No a hefty expense account, no corporate credit card, no clothing allowance, no company car. They didn’t even have any business leads. They were told to go… on THE JOURNEY.

All the twelve had to depend upon was the power of the Living God! Boy did it work! People were healed of disease. Lame folks got up and walked. Blind men would see. People deep in sin were delivered and forgiven by the power of God; no fancy words or power point presentations. Imagine that.

Jesus told His disciples later (John 14:12) that those who believe in Him would do more than even He would do. How could this be? While on their journey, they would have the power of the Holy Spirit alive within them and travel to the ends of the earth preaching the Good News! Jesus had a very limited ministry field in and around His home town and surrounding areas. His disciples, and you and I, have the whole world at our disposal! Whatever THE JOURNEY is for us as individuals or as a Church Body, let’s concentrate on the power we have in Christ, then access the auxiliary power. After all, we have the power of the living God within us. Is that not enough?

There is true joy in THE JOURNEY God gives us. The more we realize it’s through Him that we accomplish everything….the more joy and fellowship we experience. Through Him, in Him, and with Him…enjoy THE JOURNEY!