Friday, April 1, 2005

Luke-Power and authority

The Journal has had 1000 vistors since December, way to go, may our Lord receive honor and glory.

Luke 9:1  Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.  

This was the will of the Father, for Jesus on earth was to do nothing apart from the Father's will. This was a special anointing for service. Two things from this I see. First, Jesus gives us special anointings for the work he has called us to do. If he asks us to do something, he will supply what is needed. Secondly, this was the power of the Holy Ghost, but it would not be permanent until after Pentecost, when the Holy Ghost was given to believers.   Peter was an example of a disciple who wished to serve God, but he was not yet converted. He had not yet the permanent indwelling of God's Holy Spirit.  

Luke 22:31  And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
Luke 22:32  But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
 

We are not of Jesus until we receive his Holy Spirit. You may be earnest in your religion, but without the anointing from God to have power from him, you are not his.  

Rom 8:9  But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

Luke 9:2  And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.
 

First they were to preach the gospel of the kingdom, then with signs following. They were to heal the sick and cast out demons.

Luke 9:3  And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.  

Take nothing for your journey, including the normal necessities; staves, a rod or staff, scrip, a wallet for money. No bread, no money; only one coat. The Lord would provide, but don't neglect the necessary coat, as the weather required this.  

Luke 9:4  And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart.  

The homes who received them would meet there needs.  

Mat 10:40  He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
Mat 10:41  He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.
Mat 10:42  And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
  

Mat 10:13  And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.

Luke 9:5  And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.
 

 The Jews would shake the dust off of their feet after returning from Gentile land. The disciples were sent to the people of Israel, but those who would not receive them were to be considered as outside of the will of God, infidels.   Mat 10:15  Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.
 

 Luke 9:6  And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.  

 They obeyed the Lord's command. This is important, for we are to believe and obey. As the hymn goes, we are to trust and obey for there is no other way to be happy (blessed) in Jesus, but to trust and obey. They believed and did as they were commanded. Do we believe God's word for us? What should we be doing to be blessed of God?

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