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JESUS INVESTS US WITH AUTHORITY (MARK 6:7-13) LENT DAY 36

REFLECTION

The theme for our reflection is “Jesus invests us with authority” To invest someone with authority means to give the person power to accomplish a particular task or execute an assignment without any hindrance. Jesus invest us with authority to preach the Gospel and liberate those who are under the bondage of unclean spirit to become the children of God or the disciples of Christ. We shall reflect on the fact that we must not be afraid but be have faith and be ready to embark on the mission of Christ for He has invested us with authority to be victorious.

Beloved in the Lord, what happens when rebellious people are possessed by unclean spirits and others who desire to be liberated are held captive by unclean spirits? Jesus did not only appoint us His disciples but He has also given us authority over unclean spirits so that as we spread the Gospel and win souls, we liberate people from the bondage of unclean spirits. Mark tells us that Jesus “ … called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits… So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent. And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them”. (Mark 6:7,12-13). It is important for us to understand that to be victorious on the mission Jesus has sent us, we must walk in faith and courageously walk and operate in the spiritual authority given to us. Let us follow the example of Jesus in exercising His authority for the benefit of many when He said that “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” (Luke 4:18-19). A believer and a disciple of Christ is no mean person, you surely have authority over unclean spirits if you are a man and woman of faith and prayer!

Unfortunately, some of us are unable to use the authority invested in us by Jesus because many of us have become mere church goers or nominal Christians without any relationship with Christ. We have become carnally minded and are not committed to the things of God. We only remember to pray when we are in trouble. We have little or no love and dedication for the Word of God, hence our faith is shallow. We are have little or no time for prayers. We worship God at our convenience and not as matter of necessity. We need to faithfully obey Jesus and be His committed disciples to be invested with His authority to overcome spiritual obstacles. It is for this reason Jesus admonished us, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. (Matthew 6:24) . Again He has greatly encouraged us that “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” (John 14:21). Jesus found His disciples useful for His mission because the loved Him and were ready to obey Him, therefore in invested them with authority to overcome unclean spirits. Dear friend, will Jesus find us committed, useful and worthy of investing us with His authority in the 21st century? Are we ready to follow Christ and share in His authority or we desire to follow the world? Jesus reminds us that ” For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:21). Let us follow Him with all your hearts and be obedient to Him then He will invest us with His authority to triumph.

In summary, we have reflected on the theme “Jesus invests us with authority” We have discovered that we must not be afraid but have faith and be ready to embark on the mission of Christ for He has invested us with authority to be victorious. Shalom

PRAYER
Thank you Jesus for investing us with authority to overcome unclean spirits. May we remain faithful to our calling.