Matthew 10:7-8 “As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.”

Many sermons have been preached on these two verses, and I’ve heard a few good ones. One of the best was at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, which focused on “As you go, preach.” The focus was on the fact that the Greek verb for “go” is in a tense that requires the way the NIV translates it. It could be paraphrased, “I’ve already told you to go, so as you do so, preach.” The point being, the focus is not to be on the going itself, but on the preaching which is the reason for going. That’s valid and good, and quite appropriate for a Baptist institution, since they are very big on preaching. However, it is the things listed in verse 8 that grab my attention right now. Preaching can be done on a completely human level (though that doesn’t really bless anyone) but the following things can only be done by the power of God, and they validate the message that is preached. This is why people like Reinhardt Bonnke have such an effective ministry: his message is hard to reject when you’ve just seen numbers of undeniable miracles! This is actually the secret behind the explosive growth of the Church in the first few centuries: the power of God was manifested. “Advanced” nations have so focused on “scientific,” “rational” thinking that we deny the supernatural, and so refuse the power of God. Roland and Heidi Baker are good role models when it comes to demonstrating the power of God in smaller settings. God is still God, and people are much more likely to believe what we say about Him when we allow Him to manifest His power through us.

I’ve been used in healing the sick and casting out evil spirits, but I haven’t witnessed a resurrection yet! There have been a few times when I have prayed earnestly for one, but so far it hasn’t happened. That has helped me understand fully that we can’t dictate to God. However, a point in yesterday’s sermon comes to mind. A father is more likely to do what his child asks if the child truly delights in the father, and God is indeed that way. Psalm 37:4 is true! (Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.) That is the secret of Heidi Baker’s amazing track record. I’ve never known of anyone more in love with Jesus! That causes me to examine my own heart to see how much I love Him. I am all too prone to let other things take priority over time with Him, and that is not the way to experience His power. I need to listen to and follow through on the things He says through me! I need to delight in Him indeed, so that He may delight in me and manifest Himself through me, for His glory.

Father, thank You for this clear Word this morning. Help me not just say, “that’s nice,” and fail to follow through in obedience. Help me live out the love I proclaim, indeed placing You first in everything. As You have said through me, placing You first is a choice. Help me make that choice consistently, for Your pleasure and glory. Thank You. Praise God!