September 26, 2020: SOAP #3950:  Ezra 4; Psalm 113, 127; Luke 9    

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 9:1 When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, 2 And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.  …
6 So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere.… 10 When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done.

Observation:    As the Lord has recently been emphasizing the ministry of the Holy Spirit through Jesus as recorded by Luke, I believe I am to build on what was in SOAP #2594. 

Not all the ministry in the gospels was done by Jesus.  Jesus sent THEM to preach, THEM to heal the sick, THEY departed, THEY went through the towns, THEY preached, THEY healed, THEY returned, THEY reported back.  THEY did what they had seen Jesus doing.     

Application:   Jesus was preparing the disciples for the time He would no longer be with them.  Later in the book of Acts, the church continued the ministry of Jesus.  As Jesus ministered in the power of the Holy Spirit, so the early church ministered in that same Spirit.   

The world today is desperate for the church to move in the gifts of the Holy Spirit.  Healings for sick bodies, miracles for food supply, words of knowledge and wisdom to give understanding and direction, tongues and interpretation assuring of God’s presence and His awareness of personal circumstances, and prophecy to build faith that He is ultimately in control.      

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, the world needs you working through God’s people.  My neighbors need you working through me.  Use me as an open channel through which you can continue the ministry of Jesus today.  Flow through me today in little ways. Flow through me, Holy Spirit, flow through me. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!