Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits.
Mark 6:7
When my parents called me home for supper, we got one call. That’s it. There was one shout of “Chet” from my mom or a high-pitched whistle from my dad. Nothing more. That was it. We had one chance to hear the call, and one chance to respond. One bite at the apple, or supper was gone.
And then there are times when we are called, and the calling keeps coming. When I get an email, text, or voice mail message, my phone keeps reminding me, and reminding me that there’s a message waiting for me. The little icons, (, ., 2, always remain on till I either look at or delete them.
This is how Jesus called “the twelve.” They were selected from the larger group called “disciples.” The twelve were not necessarily the best, the cream of the crop, the high performers. We know this because Judas, the one that would betray Jesus was one of the twelve.
Jesus called the twelve to himself. They moved from wherever they were and came in front of him. No one forced them to move; Jesus called and they responded. They were right in front of Jesus.
The calling to move in front of Jesus was required before he could send them out. They weren’t told just to go out there, somewhere, and experiment with their faith. Jesus sent them on a mission to represent him: saying his words and perform the tasks he identified. And in this case, the task was power over impure spirits.
But there was an additional instruction; they weren’t to go out individually but in pairs. Yes, going out individually would let them cover more ground faster. But this is not a primary concern for Jesus. It’s more about their mission and the method; two by two.
They received power from Jesus, but it was not a one-time loading up of power. It wasn’t going to their spiritual gas station and getting their tank filled. Jesus gave them power and kept on giving them power. They received power and kept on receiving power all through the tour.
This power, this delegated authority, allowed them to speak and act for Jesus. They possessed Jesus’ authority to command demons who possessed those unfortunate people who were under demonic influence and control. With this authority, they could speak, and God’s power moved in, forcing the unclean spirits to obey.
Jesus is still calling people to represent him, sending them out with his authority and power. We don’t do the going until Jesus does the calling and sending.
In our excitement, and sometimes arrogance, we get it all mixed up. We do the going on our own, with our own authority and power. The end results are frustration, failure, and fright.
We aren’t just to sit around till Jesus calls. We have much to do. We need to:
· Be thoroughly equipped for every good work – 2 Timothy 3:17
· Put on the whole armor of God – Ephesians 6:11
· Straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal – Philippians 3:13,14
· Train yourself to be godly – 1 Timothy 4:7
These are only four of the “life-skills” that God wants us to improve on. And this isn't to beat us up, but because he loves us and wants nothing but the best for us.
Love is the motivator! Because of his love for us, for all he has done, we want to choose to please him. It’s not about the reward – that’s just another word for selfishness. The reward is a natural outcome that may come today, may come tomorrow, may not come till kingdom come.
You may be waiting for God to call and send you somewhere, on some task in his name. And that’s great.
But in the meantime, there is much to be done. Because of his unending love, we respond to our heavenly father, the lover who never abandons, never disappoints, is always there.
Let’s respond.
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