#DailyDevotion The Kingdom Of God Is Taking Over
Mark 6:7 And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts— 9 but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. 10 And he said to them, “Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you depart from there. 11 And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” 12 So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent. 13 And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.
In Mark, one of the themes is the kingdom of God making inroads into and conquering the kingdom of darkness in this world. Here we have an example of it. Jesus sends his disciples two by two proclaim the kingdom of God is at hand. As proof that their message was true, he gave them authority over the unclean spirits and they cast out many demons and healed many sick people.
The church and its ministers still preach the kingdom of God is at hand and we still cast out unclean spirits and demons. Occasionally even someone who is ill is healed. But the fact that people still come to faith in Jesus is proof that the kingdom of God is still making inroads into Satan’s kingdom and overcoming it. Through the good news that because of Jesus’ death and resurrection our sins are no longer held against us removes Satan’s power to accuse. By Christ’s atoning sacrifice on the cross we can know and believe that the Father is no longer angry with us and has reconciled himself to us.
The good news is that Jesus has overcome Satan and his kingdom for you. You are invited to part of Jesus’ kingdom. Confess your sins, turn from the devil and his selfish and self-centered ways and believe what Jesus has done for you and that for his sake you are accepted by God, the Father of lights.
Now concerning how Jesus sent out his disciples, this was to show them that they could trust he would take care of them. This was not a program that was to continue in their ministry after Pentecost. Jesus told them otherwise just before his death and his departure. Never the less, we also should trust in Jesus’ care for us and not be anxious.
Heavenly Father, grant us repentance and faith in your Son Jesus Christ, that we may be transferred from the kingdom of darkness t o the kingdom of your son Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.