Priesthood of All Believers

June 28, 2010 Monday Message:

Jesus speaking: “Heal the sick, and tell them, ‘The Kingdom of God is near you now.’” Luke 9:10 Heal the sick? Me? Wow!

Jesus knew his time at the cross was drawing closer, but he didn’t stop ministering. There were many who had not yet heard the Good News, and Jesus-the-itinerant-preacher knew he wouldn’t get to visit all their villages. In fact, there was too much work for even the twelve apostles. But there were many others who followed our Lord, Godly people who knew his teachings well. So Jesus reached not only into the church staff for this mission; he reached into the congregation, commissioning them, empowering them, and equipping them. It was time for the church of Jesus to send 72 on a mission trip. The priesthood of all believers was born.

Jesus said that those who believe in him would be equipped with many supernatural powers: “They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in tongues. They will be able to handle snakes safely, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and the sick will be healed.” Mark 16:17-18

Jesus restates the commission as he sends the 12: “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons.” Matthew 10:8a Raise the dead? Me? Wow!

So here’s your take-away for this week:
1. You can heal the sick (with the Holy Spirit, Jesus said so)
2. You can raise the dead (with the Holy Spirit, Jesus said so)
3. If Jesus trusted you to do 1 & 2, your church should trust you with almost anything.
4. It is Jesus, not the church, who calls people into ministry.

For Him!

Norton Lawellin