“Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. 2 He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3 And He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither staffs nor bag nor bread nor money; and do not have two tunics apiece. 4 “Whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. 5 And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” 6 So they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.” Luke 9:1-6 NKJV
God, our Lord,
The disciples were happy to follow Jesus but here we see Him standing back and letting them grow. Your Son passing on His and therefore Your authority and calling, to His disciples. It is still all about Jesus but delivered through them. It is the first time he has sent them out on their own to do what they had seen Him doing. They were bestowed with His and therefore Your power over evil forces, to heal sicknesses in order to proclaim the Good News of Your Kingdom.
They are not to be worried about being up to date with the latest fashions. Not encumbered with an abundance of possessions. Just willing to bring You and Your compassion into each situation they met. Hospitality in the middle east meant they would eat and be offered somewhere to stay. And they are not to be choosy, big or small. If not welcome, just move on. Rejection is not personal, no offence to be taken, it is the message that is rejected.
Raising the dead, miraculously healing the sick? I have so many questions about why not today and I believe You can and do still heal. Whether medical or miracle. But today help us remember we are still to take the Gospel, Your love, wherever we go and find hearts willing. Every person is unique and valued by You. We are still called to live lives of simplicity. Look at the flowers of the fields (Matthew 6:28-29. A message our buy now, throw away consumer world needs.
It is not always easy to bring You into our conversations. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit who can prompt us and who is the one that seeks to make the seed grow in hearers hearts. Help us to simply tell how You have blessed us and give You thanks.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen,
Lord God,
We pray,
For all our family, friends, neighbours, and our church family. For their needs for today and their hope for tomorrow.
For our ministers and all that is done by churches to support, help and bless their local communities. For food banks and social gatherings and care. That along with the love the Good News will be shared.
For our Government our King and Queen and all those who work for the best future for our nation.
For Gaza and the Middle East, Lord we need a miracle of peace and wisdom from world leaders not division.
For Putin and Ukraine, that there would be a change in direction away from war. An end to conflict.
For the NHS, hospitals, clinics and GP surgeries. For their future and for their best and the best for patients. For all those with long term illness and disability for their strength, breakthroughs in medicine and Your joy and hope throughout the day. For those that care for them blessings and health.
For all those, in every land, whose motivation is to share Jesus. To see people choose Christ Jesus.
For ourselves, for all we need for today, that we would rejoice and be glad and know Jesus with us.
In Jesu name we pray, Amen.
Worship Wednesday 8th November 2023
Restore, O Lord,
The honour of Your name,
In works of sovereign power
Come shake the earth again;
That all may see
And come with reverent fear
To the living God,
Whose kingdom shall outlast the years.
Restore, O Lord,
In all the earth Your fame,
And in our time revive
The church that bears Your name.
And in Your anger,
Lord, remember mercy,
O living God,
Whose mercy shall outlast the years.
Bend us, O Lord,
Where we are hard and cold,
In Your refiner’s fire
Come purify the gold.
Though suffering comes
And evil crouches near,
Still our living God
Is reigning, He is reigning here.
Restore, O Lord,
The honour of Your name,
In works of sovereign power
Come shake the earth again;
That all may see
And come with reverent fear
To the living God,
Whose kingdom shall outlast the years
Restore us O Lord
Revive us O Lord.