CALLED, GIVEN AND SENT

Luke 9:1-2 When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, Then he sent them out to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

We take another dive into the Gospel of Luke today and cast our focus on the actions of Jesus. It is important to look at the manner in which the task at hand was executed: He CALLED the Twelve, He GAVE them power and authority, then He SENT them out.

First, he ‘called them’ not literally, but He extended an invitation to them drawing them into relationship and fellowship. That is the beginning of the journey. Without that initial call which provokes intimacy, many would become hirelings with no real heart for the master himself or his work.

Secondly, they were given power and authority. In other words they were given ability to cause change to happen, as well as the legal basis upon which to exert that influence. The two go hand in hand because one without the other cannot fully achieve the intended purpose – much like a thief holding a gun in hand: they have fire power but no legal grounds upon which to wield it.

Finally, the sending happens. The directing into specific fields to influence and make impact. The fields cannot be the same for all of us- some belong to the pulpit, others to in the market place, some in the classroom and others on the streets. Regardless, we all ought to have found ourselves where we are through the same process: CALLED, GIVEN and SENT.

#sly