

(For further reading: Preaching to People Who Have “Heard it all Before” — By: J. Brian Tucker )
Mark 6:7-13
He called the twelve apostles, sent them out two by two, and gave them authority over evil spirits. He instructed them to take nothing along on the trip except a walking stick. They were not to take any food, a traveling bag, or money in their pockets. They could wear sandals but could not take along a change of clothes. He told them, “Whenever you go into a home, stay there until you’re ready to leave that place. Wherever people don’t welcome you or listen to you, leave and shake the dust from your feet as a warning to them.” So the apostles went and told people that they should turn to God and change the way they think and act. They also forced many demons out of people and poured oil on many who were sick to cure them.
Jesus had been training the twelve to be servants completely relying on the Master. At this time they are to be emissaries for the Master, acting as the Master and with all of the authority of the Master. And, as in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30 and Luke 19:12-27), they are expected to bring an increase into the kingdom of God.
Now they are commissioned to go into the world and tell everyone the Good News while curing them. It is the same command that he will repeat to them in his last few earthly moments. (Mark 16: 24-18, Matthew 28:16-20, Acts 1:8)
They are to go with nothing but the clothes in their backs. They are tobe Fully Reliant On. God. It is the same thing Jesus requires of all his followers: be willing to abandon everything and everyone that would keep you from serving God. (Mark 8:34)
Are you ready to be a F.R.O.G.?
Prayer
Jesus, Master, we struggle to empty ourselves of self and to be full of you. We know that when we are weak, you are strong. (2 Corinthians 12:7-10.) Please show us how to trust in your strength so we can allow ourselves to be weak. Amen Also visit my other blogsMark 4:21-23 Jesus said to them, “Does anyone bring a lamp into a room to put it under a basket or under a bed? Isn’t it put on a lamp stand? There is nothing hidden that will not be revealed. There is nothing kept secret that will not come to light. Let the person who has ears listen!”
Matthew 5:14-16 “You are light for the world. A city cannot be hidden when it is located on a hill. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket. Instead, everyone who lights a lamp puts it on a lamp stand. Then its light shines on everyone in the house. In the same way let your light shine in front of people. Then they will see the good that you do and praise your Father in heaven.
Mark and Matthew may be describing the same event or perhaps Jesus used the same illustration at different times to a different crowd. In any case the message is clear, let your light shine.
Though the analogy seems totally different than Jesus’ story about the farmer scattering seed, in both cases he requires us to share what we have. Seed and light are both symbols of the gospel.
Are you hiding your light? Have you lifted it high so that it will reach further into the darkness?
Let it shine! Let it shine! Let it shine!
Prayer Lord, you have entrusted us with the job of spreading your good news to the people around us. Sometimes we have done as commanded however, sometimes we’ve failed. Forgive us when we’ve failed to share your light. We ask that your light burn so brightly in us that people in darkness are drawn to it. Amen. Also visit my other blogsPrayer
In the midst of all that troubles us in this live, we believe as did Paul when he wrote, “That eternal glory is much greater than our troubles. Thank you for your promise of life unending. Amen. Also visit my other blogs