Scripture

“Go and announce that the kingdom of heaven is near.”

Observation

Jesus calls the twelve together, giving them authority to heal every kind of sickness and to cast out demons.

Then He sends them out to go to the lost sheep of Israel. They are to announce that the kingdom of heaven is near.

They are to heal the sick, raise the dead, heal those with leprosy, and to cast out demons. They are not to take any money and nor even spare clothes, but accept hospitality when it is offered.

Application

The message that the apostles were to proclaim was simply that God’s kingdom is near. They were to prove the message by healing the sick and casting out demons.

The message hasn’t changed, except that the kingdom of heaven is already here.

Our commission and our authority is the same as the first apostles. We are to take the message of the kingdom to all who will receive it.

Jesus preached a gospel of repentance that said, “Turn away from your sins and follow me for God’s kingdom is near.” The gospel is still the same as people need to repent, follow Jesus and enter the kingdom.

There are people everywhere who simply need to believe that God loves them enough to pay the penalty for their sins.

Let’s be bold and confident the gospel and in the King.

Prayer

Thank you Lord for the simple message that we can come into your kingdom because of Jesus. Please help me to share that message wherever I find myself. Amen.