The Daily Fountain Daily Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 5 March 2020 – TOPIC: MISSION FORMULA
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TOPIC: MISSION FORMULA
READ: LUKE 9: 1-9 (NKJV)1. 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.7. Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by Him; and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had risen from the dead,8. and by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the old prophets had risen again.9. Herod said, “John I have beheaded, but who is this of whom I hear such things?” So he sought to see Him.*THE MESSAGE:*Jesus first empowered His disciples for mission before sending them out. They received authority from Him over devils and diseases and then came a description of their assignment. They were to preach the kingdom of God and heal the sick. They were not to be worried about their welfare as provision had been made by God for them in their assignment. The given formula is in line with Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness: and all these things shall be added to you.The picture seems to be different in our present time. Some people engage in God’s work without first being spiritually empowered. Thus, we have a lot of Christians who do God’s work but not in accordance with His formula. Hence some emphasise miracles over salvation while some others are material-driven. All these are all contrary to our text. The Church should emphasise preaching the kingdom of God, though it should not neglect miracles and material blessings. But ask yourself: Have I been preaching the kingdom of God? Do I have the approval and empowerment of Christ like the disciples? If not, how do I correct my wrong? Who can help me?*PRAYER:* Reset my approach to ministry in the manner of Christ’s, O God, I pray.