Devotion for Friday, July 19, 2024

“Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness” (Matthew 10:1).

Not power, but authority was given.  This remains true to this day.  None of us has any power, but all who follow Christ are given authority in His name to do these things.  In prayer, seeking to be obedient, we can speak the power, which belongs to Christ, and a metaphorical mountain can be cast into the sea.  Confront wickedness, speak the healing truth of the love of Christ, and see the healing of sin-sick souls.

Lord, when we come through faith by the grace You give to live the relationship You call us to, You bid us to share, through the living of our lives, the faith which is living in us.  It is not a special assignment; it is the common assignment.  Send me into the world, which is damned, to bear the truth of Your redeeming word.  All power is Yours and anything I can do is only by and under Your authority.

Lord Jesus, I hear these words and I look for someone else to do what You are asking me to do.  You know what is needed and You have called me.  Send me where You will so that I may learn how to be obedient in all things.  Guide me according to the Father’s will to do that which is good, right and salutary in all places and at all times.  Thank You for calling me into Your goodness and mercy.  Help me to be faithful today.  Amen.