Tag: Luke 10:17-20
Day 5–Faith moves mountains!
Scripture reading for February 13: Matthew 17:18-21 “And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and the boy was healed instantly. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say unto you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”
Matthew records the story of a failure in the rescue of a young boy with epilepsy. This young boy’s father brought the boy to the disciples to deal with the disease which caused the boy to be thrown into the fire and into the water, endangering his life and peaceful existence as well as his family. We don’t know for sure where Jesus was, but the disciples failed to help the boy. When Jesus arrived and the father told them of the failure, Jesus rebuked the disciples as part of a ‘faithless and twisted generation’ that He was weary of bearing with. He had given them instructions before. They had gone out and applied what Jesus taught and modeled earlier. (Luke 10:17-20) Why couldn’t they use their faith to bring healing here?
This story contains lessons for us as first responders. There are times when we are called to help when we may try but seem to fail. We apply what we know, but don’t truly know what we should have learned. Like the disciples, we try but are failures and wonder why we failed. Sometimes an older and wiser responder takes us aside and explains where we went wrong. Sometimes, another team member with more experience and training provides the help needed and we can learn again the correct procedures.
When I face incidents where I am in over my head in training or ability I don’t despair and give up. My confidence is in my Lord and His promise of mountains moving even if my faith or personal ability is small. I speak to the Lord about the problem and invite Him to give me strength and ability or send help. Mountains move and nothing is impossible with Jesus.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for being with me in my weakness and even my failure. Thank You for correction and encouragement to get up and get going again, trusting in You. Amen.
Day 3–Multiply by Mentoring!
Scripture reading for February 11: 2 Timothy 2:1-2 “You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
It is a tried and tested truth that we learn best when the majority of our physical senses are allowed to participate. If we just listen to a speaker, it is not as effective as having the ability to see, hear, and then watch someone demonstrate what is being taught. It is better yet to do it for yourself under supervision. Communication is only eight percent words we hear, the rest is body language, tone of voice and spiritual perception. That’s why Jesus chose those He wanted to become disciples and invited them to be with Him. He taught them in various locations and settings. He taught them in various ways, from lecture to questions and answers, to visible demonstrations of healing and casting out demons, to allowing them to go out and apply what He had taught and modeled. When they returned, He would reinforce what they did right and correct their mistakes. (Luke 10:17-20)
Paul also learned from Jesus and taught others how to apply Scripture to life and ministry to reach lost and hurting people. As a young man, Timothy joined with Paul and became like his son. He listened to Paul teach and saw Paul minister to people. At the end of his ministry, Paul wrote this letter to his understudy. He reminded Timothy to be strengthened by grace, not religious rules or laws. He instructed him to find other men (and women) whom he would teach spiritual truths and Scripture. These, in turn, would also be able to teach others.
Multiplication of ministers and ministry through mentoring was used by Jewish rabbi’s, Jesus Christ and His followers to train new believers in applying God’s Word. First responders have also been applying the mentoring principle to train those entering this field. This develops healthy relationships and fosters teamwork.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the pattern of personal relationships You use to train new believers for growth and ministry. Thank You for those who You have used to mentor me over the years. It is my greatest blessing to offer myself to share the truths You teach with others who will also teach. Amen.
God with Us against our enemies!
Scripture reading for March 24th: Deuteronomy 19-22, Psalm 6, Luke 10
Key Scriptures: Luke 10:17-20 “The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your Name!” And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Be hold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
Jesus had sent out seventy-two disciples in pairs to do ministry and reap the bountiful harvest. They returned rejoicing that the demons were subject to them. Jesus agreed that Satan’s kingdom was being plundered, but cautioned them not to rejoice in their authority, but that their names were written in God’s register of heaven. God was with them working the miracles and deliverance.
Deuteronomy 20:1 “When you go out to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God is with you, Who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.”
Faith confession and prayer: Lord, thank you for spiritual authority in the Name of Jesus and Your presence with me always. I rejoice that You have chosen me to share in Your kingdom forever and that You will and have defeated all my enemies!
Psalm 6:10 “All my enemies shall be ashamed and greatly troubled; they shall turn back and be put to shame in a moment.”
Rejoicing in Grace!
Scripture reading for March 15: Luke 10, Psalm 54, Proverbs 23
Key Scriptures: Luke 10:17-20 “The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your Name!” And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
Pride is a subtle thing. Religious pride is deceitful and dangerous. Jesus rejoiced in the work of His disciples as they obediently had gone out two by two to confront the powers of darkness by healing the sick and casting out demons. Jesus said that He saw the forces of Satan fall like lightning as they ministered. But Jesus cautioned them to focus instead on the grace of God for salvation that they had received, being careful not to begin trusting in their own power or goodness.
Faith confession: Lord, I rejoice that my name is written in heaven because of Your great mercy to me. Thank You for the power of Your great Name to destroy the works of darkness and bring freedom to captives. To You be the Glory forever and ever.
Psalm 54:6 “With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to You; I will give thanks to Your Name, O Lord, for it is good.”