15/10/2016 - FOLLOWERS OF THE MASTER

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And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them. Mark 6:13

After being struck by the unbelief of the people of Nazareth, which prevented Him from doing great works in that city, except heal a few sick people, Jesus began to teach in the surrounding villages. Later, he gathered the 12 disciples and sent them in pairs to places where He would go. The Master commanded His servants to do the same thing they had learned with Him and, for this to happen, He gave them power over the filthy spirits in order to cast them out.

A very important fact is that they anointed the sick with oil; however, could it be that they made this up or did they learn this practice with Jesus? Without a doubt, the second option is the right one. The disciples saw that the same thing that happened with the Master happened to them. There was no more doubt that the authority of Christ worked when He was present and also with those who received this power. Now, if we are ministers of the Gospel, why haven’t we seen the same thing happen to us?

Their first concern was for the people to repent, because the work of God is complete. It´s no use to cast out a demon from a person and, afterwards, see them receive more filthy spirits and, when they die, they march straight to eternal doom. Those who don’t take care of this very important part don’t know the harm they are doing to themselves. The judgment will begin with the household, through those who received a task but did not do as they should have done. Be careful!

The Gospel of Mark reveals that they expelled many demons. Their meetings were just like Jesus’ meetings, and our faith meetings should be like this as well. There is no reason not to complete our mission fully. If we fail to take deliverance to those who are possessed, then they will remain in sin and suffering. However, if the person who is ministering the Word takes hold of the authority granted by Jesus over the forces of evil, then the people will be delivered.

The disciples anointed the people with oil and healed them. Besides Jesus, they also healed the sick. Those who act in His Name must believe that they can do the same things that He would do, if He was here ministering. This shows us that the power of God expects us to act like the Savior and, then, there will be no case of demon possession that will resist the command given in the Name of Jesus.

The apostles ended their mission and went back to the Lord to account for. This is what we must do soon after we have fulfilled the orders of God, for, since He knows all things and wants to teach us how to carry out the mission we were given the right way, if we fail to do what He told us, the Savior will teach us to repair the error. In fact, be open with Jesus and do not omit any information from Him, so that He can show us where we have failed.

After they gave a full report, the Master invited them to go to some deserted place, so that they could rest; in truth, they received another lesson. Once the people discovered that Christ was heading to that place, they all went after Him. When Christ saw all those people, He had compassion on them and began teaching them many things. May you never get tired or close your heart to those who suffer.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares