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A Plan and a Promise

A Plan and a Promise

Words of Faith 6-25-18

Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2018

Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com

Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL

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Luke 9

    When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, [2] and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. [3] He told them: "Take nothing for the journey--no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic. [4] Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. [5] If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them." [6] So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere.

 

        Jesus granted power and authorization to evict unclean spirits of darkness and to cure diseases.  The power and authority was simply the Name of Jesus.  It was a delegated authority and power.  For the Twelve, it was not their own to possess or wield.  The plan of Jesus for using this power and authority was simple.  He sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

        So how do you drive out demons?  Is there a fancy routine or ceremony?  Perhaps there is a place for that.  Jesus once said that a particular stronghold would only come out with prayer.  Prayer is certainly a big part of the deal but most of the time we evict the evil of this world when we simply preach the Kingdom.  Do you remember when Jesus set foot on the region of the Geresenes?  As soon as He set foot on the beach, the unclean spirits were trembling, begging and squealing to be allowed to go into some pigs.  His arrival signaled a claim.  God had taken claim of the region of the Gerasenes.  We do the same thing when we live, walk, talk and breath the Kingdom of God. 

        Now, how do you heal the sick? You cure their diseases. The Greek word is therapeuo from which we get "therapy".  This could really include everything from medical missions to small prayer groups.  Jesus says to do therapy.  How long do you do therapy?  As long as it takes.  God's time is right.  People are cured sometimes instantly, sometimes over a long period and sometimes in heaven. 

        Jesus healed one man but he had to wash in the waters of the pool of Siloam before he was healed.  Another required two touches.  Others were healed of leprosy as they were obedient to go and show themselves to the priests.  Every therapy will be a bit different.

        How can we do that?  Shouldn't we have a formula or a program?  Isn't there a seminar or a workshop?  There is no workbook here.  God meets the need of a person in a way that is unique to that person.  The whole journey is a walk of faith, trusting in Him.

        Jesus gave the disciples this plan and a promise.  Jesus called the disciples to trust Him completely for everything on this journey.  He told them: "Take nothing for the journey-- no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic.  Jesus wanted them to learn to trust in Him for even the most daily provisions.  You cannot bring enough stuff to supply your needs and you do not know what is needed anyway.  The promise was implied-- that He would take care of them and be with them. We hear it more overtly in Matthew 28:20--  "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

         Jesus also called the Twelve to trust Him in the timing of this plan.  "Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them."  We often want to do a long range plan of where we are going to be.  Jesus says-- listen to me.  I will give you the timing as we go.  Isn't it interesting that if Jesus had gone with "the plan" to get to the home of Jairus, He would have missed the sick woman in the crowd.  God's timing is always right.

 

       Father God, show me Your plan.  Let me proclaim Your Kingdom in all that I do and say.  Help me to be an agent of cure rather than an agent of disease.  By Your power and authority, may my steps and words lay claim to Your people and territory.  Teach me to trust You daily and to know Your timing.  In Jesus' name.