Christian Commentary Encouraging Devotions

Jesus called the Twelve and gave them authority and power to deal with all the demons and cure diseases.

He commissioned them to preach the news of God's kingdom and heal the sick.

He said, "Don't load yourselves up with equipment.

Keep it simple; you are the equipment.

(Being a minimalist, I love this!) 

And no luxury inns—get a modest place and be content there until you leave.

If you're not welcomed, leave town.

Don't make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and move on."

Commissioned, they left.

They traveled from town to town telling the latest news of God, the Message, and curing people everywhere they went. Luke 9:1-6

He told them what they could expect for themselves:

"Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead.

You're not in the driver's seat—I am.

(That bears reading again...

"You're not in the driver's seat - I am."

Is he? Really? Is the Lord calling the shots in your life, my life?)

Don't run from suffering; embrace it.

Follow me and I'll show you how.

Self-help is no help at all.

Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self.

What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you?

If any of you is embarrassed with me and the way I'm leading you,

know that the Son of Man will be far more embarrassed with you when he arrives in all his splendor in company with the Father and the holy angels.

This isn't, you realize, pie in the sky by and by.

Some who have taken their stand right here are going to see it happen,

see with their own eyes the kingdom of God." Luke 9:23-27

On the road someone asked if he could go along.

"I'll go with you, wherever," he said.

Jesus was curt: "Are you ready to rough it? We're not staying in the best inns, you know."

Jesus said to another, "Follow me."

He said, "Certainly, but first excuse me for a couple of days, please.

I have to make arrangements for my father's funeral."

Jesus refused. "First things first. Your business is life, not death. And life is urgent: Announce God's kingdom!"

Then another said, "I'm ready to follow you, Master, but first excuse me while I get things straightened out at home."

Jesus said, "No procrastination. No backward looks.

You can't put God's kingdom off till tomorrow. Seize the day." Luke 9:57-62

This is war, and there is no neutral ground.

If you're not on my side, you're the enemy;

if you're not helping, you're making things worse. Luke 11:23