Daily Devotion for June 12, 2024

 

Devotion:

For an audio version of this devotion, click here.

Read Luke 9:1-6.

When our Lord sends us on a mission, it’s usually big in some way. Have you ever heard of Albert McMakin? I hadn’t either until researching the question of who led Billy Graham to know Christ. According to Graham’s autobiography, Albert McMakin, a young 24-year-old, was working on the Graham’s family farm when he persuaded 16-year-old Billy to go see and hear evangelist Mordecai Ham. Albert McMakin probably had never thought that the mission Christ had given him was big in some way, but look what a difference in the world, his one invitation to a 16-year-old named Billy, made in this world.

Whether we make a difference in the life of one person or many people, Christ’s mission for this world, through us, reaches way beyond us.

In today’s scripture, Jesus sends the twelve with power and authority to drive out demons, heal and preach the gospel everywhere. No doubt, they were overwhelmed. Later, the disciples and apostles would not only cast out demons in Jesus’ name, but in Acts they baptize, heal, teach and do signs and wonders in the name of Jesus as well. Dr. Frank Stagg has noted that the last word in the book of Acts is “unhindered”—interpreting that when sent on Christ’s mission, we are able to surmount the geographical, racial, and political barriers that we think might hinder Christ’s mission.

Christ’s mission is both words and actions. It is sharing the gospel and bringing relief to the poor, the sick, the imprisoned, and the oppressed everywhere. As each of us are sent, we are also called to remain faithful to Christ through prayer, study and worship. It is the relationship with Christ which will sustain us for the mission we have been given.

Personal Worship Option:

Just for a moment, ponder who invited you to meet Christ and give God thanks for that person. Now ponder who you might meet today that needs to know in word or in action that Christ cares for them. “Dear Lord, may we remain faithful to your mission always.  Amen.”