January 9

Jesus gave them power (ability) and authority to drive out demons and heal diseases. So they did – period. This brings up two things, first that they were willing to do it! They didn’t shy away from it but must have figured that they had the authority and ability to actually do something with it. My question is, do we? The second thing is that they actually did it! They did the stuff that Jesus gave them the power and authority to do – they accomplished the actual act of healing and delivering people. (Verse 6)

Of course what I didn’t mention is that they were also charged with preaching the gospel, which they also did. It isn’t funny how we separate this commission? We are supposed to preach the good news while doing the good news! I can preach when I want, but I can’t heal when I want – right? That is how we think! Maybe that is why the sick aren’t healed too often. That question will be for the ages, however the settled matter is this – if we are to be like the disciples, (who were being like Jesus), we are to preach the gospel, heal the sick and deliver the demonized.