Readings for today: Deuteronomy 13-15, Luke 8:40-9:6, Psalms 71, Proverbs 12:5-7
“And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. And he said to them, "Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics. And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them." And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.” (Luke 9:1-6)
It’s fascinating to read this passage as I board a plane to Ethiopia to train church planters. The men and women I have the privilege of spending time with over the next two weeks actually take this verse literally. They exhibit power and authority over demons. They cure disease. They heal. They raise the dead in some cases. I have seen it with my own eyes. Most of all, they proclaim the Kingdom of God in the villages where they go and plant churches by the hundreds if not thousands. It’s truly amazing. They have no money. No possessions. So they can take nothing for their journey. They go to villages where they have no family or friends or social contacts. They count on the hospitality of the town for provision. It is not always easy. They are often persecuted. Beaten. Attacked. Threatened. They are going to villages where the gospel has never been heard. Almost all of them carry scars. Some of them even die for their faith. Through it all, God is at work. He is changing entire nations.
It’s humbling and convicting to ponder what a verse like this looks for my own life. I gave my life to Christ over twenty-five years ago. Committed myself to His service. I’ve been in pastoral ministry for almost twenty years now and have made sacrifices along the way. My family has lived on public assistance. We’ve struggled to make ends meet. Relied on the hospitality and generosity of the congregations we’ve served. It has not been easy. But I have never faced persecution. Never been attacked for my faith. Never felt threatened. I’ve also never healed anyone. Never cast out a demon. Never cured any disease. I have preached the Kingdom of God faithfully over the years all over the United States. God has used what meager gifts I have to offer to change lives and grow His Kingdom.
Sometimes we can get caught up wondering why the supernatural doesn’t happen as often in the US as it does overseas. Part of it is because we are bored with the miracles that happen all around us everyday. Doctors and nurses who perform incredible acts of healing. Psychologists and psychiatrists who treat mental health. Local church pastors who cast out more demons than they know simply by walking with people through the ups and downs of life. Familiarity breeds contempt. However, another part has to do with our struggle to walk by faith. We’ve been given so much. Most of us have access to resources that most of the rest of the world can only dream of. And as Jesus said, “It is harder for a rich man to get into heaven than a camel to go through the eye of a needle.” We place our trust in ourselves. In our ability to provide. In our plans and strategies. We would never go on a journey with no staff, bag, bread, or money. We would never leave our luggage at home. We would never show up unannounced in a new village. These things just don’t fit our paradigm. And perhaps that’s why we don’t see the miracles.
I always learn so much from my Ethiopian brothers and sisters. I am confident this trip will be no different. I am always asking God to show me what the next step is for my life and my ministry in Parker, CO. Walking by faith in America is different than walking by faith in Africa. But the same God is at work in both places. Where do you need to start walking by faith in your life today?
Readings for tomorrow: Deuteronomy 16-17, Luke 9:7-27, Psalms 72, Proverbs 12:8-9