Matthew 10:5-16 (NIV)
[5] These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. [6] Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. [7] As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ [8] Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy,* drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. [9] Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts; [10] take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep.
[11] “Whatever town or village you enter, search for some worthy person there and stay at his house until you leave. [12] As you enter the home, give it your greeting. [13] If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. [14] If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. [15] I tell you the truth, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town. [16] I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
From the last two readings I have realised that the spoken words that give hope are more important than the physical manifestations of healing. I am not trying to lessen the power of miraculous healings, rather emphasize the importance of the words of the kingdom!
ReplyDeleteFred
Yes Fred. And He sends us out to a world that my not accept what we say but we go under His protection,wisdom and power.
ReplyDeleteLouise