A Mission with Authority

In Matthew 10, Jesus called his disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness (v. 1). Armed with this authority, they were then sent out to:
· Go to the lost sheep and preach hope
· Heal the sick
· Raise the dead
· Cleanse those with leprosy
· Drive out demons
· Give peace to homes that would receive them and their message.

Too often in my service for the Lord, I look for ideal circumstances and fail to realize that Jesus has: 1) calls me to him; 2) gives me authority over evil; and 3) gives me authority over disease and sickness. Instead of using the authority God has given me, I find myself waiting for God to speak in a thunderclap and give me some great thing to do. I just need to come to him, take up the authority he has given me, and go looking for people who need the hope of Christ. Then, the opportunities to make a difference, to do something of significance will come.

I was speaking with my daughter this morning, and we were talking about our jobs. I told her that although my circumstances at the moment may not be ideal, I love my job. I love what I do. I love the opportunities to do something of significance for the people I meet, to make a difference in their lives. She echoed that significance: “I want to make a difference,” she said.

Are you like that? Do you want to make a difference, do something of significance? Don’t wait for a burning bush (Moses) or a heavenly vision (Isaiah) or a blinding light (Paul). Those may or may not come. Jesus is simply calling you to himself and giving you authority to represent him every day with every person you meet. You will then be:
· Hope for those who have lost their way
· Healing for those who are sick
· Life for those whose have given up on life
· Cleansing for those who are discarded by a world enamored with perfection
· Wholeness for those debilitated by sin’s power
· Peace for those whose home and hearts are in turmoil
Yes, you will be all that if you come and go – Come to Jesus and go in his authority!

Have confidence, child of God!