And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts— but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. And he said to them, “Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you depart from there. 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.” So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent. – Mark 6:7-12 ESV

Warrior;

My pastor titled this message, “Go Get ‘Em!” Mark is considered by many to be the ACTION GOSPEL. Peter was all about GETTING ‘ER DONE, and the gospel of Mark could be considered the Gospel of Peter, if there was ever a need for a different name. Mark dedicates more of his account to Jesus’ miracles than any of the other Gospel writers. Jesus casts out an unclean spirit (Mark 1:23–28). He Healed Peter’s mother- in- law (Mark 1:29–34). He Healed a paralyzed man (Mark 2:1–12). Again, He Healed, this time a man with a withered hand (Mark 3:1–6). Jesus calmed a storm (Mark 4:35–41). Jesus then Raised Jairus’s daughter (Mark 5:21–24, 35–43), after healing a hopeless woman with a blood disease for 12 years. Now he is getting ready to perform one of His greatest Miracles; turning these 12 angry men (and a religious zealot named Saul) into powerful saints of God who changed the world for God, through God and by the Will of God.

Leader, hear the Word of the Lord: The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13) The original twelve apostles are listed in Matthew 10:2–4, “These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James- son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Him.” The Bible also lists the twelve apostles in Mark 3:16–19 and Luke 6:13–16. The twelve apostles were ordinary men who were willing to be used by God in a supernatural manner. Consider that among the twelve were fishermen, a tax collector, and a revolutionary- a political zealot, or two. The Gospels record the constant failings, struggles, and doubts of these twelve men who followed Jesus Christ. After Jesus’ resurrection and ascension into heaven, the Holy Spirit transformed the apostles into powerful men of God who turned the world upside down (Acts 17:6). What made the change? The twelve apostles had “been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13). Can the same be said about us? What was unique about these teenage men? They were willing and available. Are you WILLING? Are you AVAILABLE?

Conduit, God wanted them to understand it was Jesus who had all power and authority and He gave it to the 12- even Judas! He sent them and told them to take nothing with them. He wanted them to know HE IS JEHOVAH JIREH- the God who provides. He is the provision; For man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. He would provide through others; He would provide for all their needs He is their PORTION! It is written: …because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4b) In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul quotes Jesus who said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” In John 3, before The Baptizer is beheaded, it was John who said, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” Jesus paid it all, IT IS FINISHED! Take nothing with you, I will Empower U, I will be with you, through the helper, your PARAKLEET, the Holy Spirit. Then He tells them if they are NOT INTERESTED, walk away! We are never told to assault people with the WORD OF GOD. God says if they are closed-minded, heart-hearted toward your profession of My Word- don’t take anything from them. Don’t take any of their rejection, their negativity, their mockery, their bitterness- LEAVE IT, kick it in the dust that flies off your shoes! God is sending us out, telling us to GO GET ‘EM! Are you WILLING? Are you AVAILABLE? For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them! (Jeremiah 29:11, Ephesians 2:10)