Verse: Matthew 10:5-7
These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And proclaim as you go, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’
Devotion:
The Lord sent the 12 out, giving them authority, freely, even to Judas, who was mentioned last in the verse just before this. He gave what was his to them, desiring not to hold on to all the power, but to spread the word of his kingdom. He began the spread of knowledge first to the Jewish people, to whom the Messiah had been long promised.
Such authority, and such generosity! They were not just to go out preaching, but to actually bring the kingdom of heaven. To bring its physical reality in the form of healing, casting out demons, and even bringing the dead to life. It was incredible. Jesus sent them, without him, to do what he had taught them by example. I wonder if they watched him, knowing that they would be expected to do the same thing?
This must have been such an incredible experience for them, to step out and try the things that they had been taught, and to see the power of the kingdom of heaven at work! Isn’t it scary to take those first steps? Yet the Lord is with us, it is his power in us that allows us to be successful. When we pray, when we ask for opportunity, he gives it. I’ve seen it. Sometimes in incredible ways. We often just have to take the first steps.
What kind of obedience is the Lord asking of you? Take the first steps! He is so faithful, and is just waiting for us to join him so he can build our faith, and draw us closer. he loves to use us to bring his Kingdom here.
Author: Emily Costa
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