Matthew 10:1 (NIV)
10 Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave
them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and
sickness.
Jesus sent out the twelve disciples and gave them the
authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.
(Matthew 10:1) He told them to go to the Jews first, preaching that the kingdom
of heaven is near. The evidence of the kingdom would be seen as the disciples
proclaimed and demonstrated the kingdom. Before ascending into heaven, Jesus
instructed the apostles about the kingdom and told them to wait for the gift of
the Holy Spirit to empower them to carry out His work. (Acts 1) On the day of
Pentecost,
120 believers were filled with the Holy Spirit. Today, God
continues to fill and send out believers to demonstrate that indeed the kingdom
of God is near.
(Matthew 4:17) The kingdom of God is the rule and reign of
God on earth.
As the gospel is preached, the kingdom of God draws near.
Jesus declared that the kingdom was near when He came to earth; He demonstrated
the kingdom and He commissioned believers to advance His kingdom on earth:
From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of
heaven has been forcefully advancing and forceful men lay hold of it. (Matthew
11:12) The kingdom was, the kingdom is, and the kingdom will be when Jesus
Christ returns. As believers, we participate in the advancement of His kingdom
as we spread the “good news” of Jesus Christ and demonstrate His goodness
through prayer and faith.
Have you been simply waiting until Jesus returns for His
kingdom to arrive? Perhaps you are content knowing you have received Jesus as
your Lord and Savior but are unsure if you wish to participate in His
activities on earth. The fullness of His Holy Spirit is here, guiding you and
empowering you to actively participate with what He is doing as the world
prepares for Him to return. Are you willing to pray for the sick or to reach
out to the lost?
He has prepared you to step out in faith and advance His
kingdom. He is still working on earth and the harvest is plentiful: Then He
said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask
the Lord of the harvest, therefore to send out workers into His harvest field.”
(Matthew 9:35-38)
Thought for today:
What work have I done to enhance/advance the kingdom?
No comments:
Post a Comment