Holy Boldness

dom. The cleansing of lepers brought not only a physical reality but also removed social ostracizing. The presence of demons exposed the reality of a dark and sinister spiritual world beyond the natural. But the casting out of demons revealed a higher authority than evil. The kingdom invaded, engaged, and threatened this world of spiritual darkness. The kingdom affected both the natural and the spiritual. The kingdom’s presence affects the way people feel, think, and act. The kingdom of God changes realities on every level. “ Freely you have received. Freely give.” As the disciples went out they were prohibited by Jesus from selling the message. They were specifically instructed to minister without charge. We have already discussed the issue of mammon. The mammon test seems to come to every ministry that seeks to proclaim the Gospel and nothing will rob a ministry of true authority faster than failing this test. Jesus commissioned His apostles to give the Gospel away for free. A few lines later Jesus said that the laborer was worthy of His hire. That means that the service rendered is worthy of compensation but the actual substance of the kingdom is free because it simply cannot be purchased. The kingdom is priceless. To try to pay for it is to cheapen it or to miss it altogether. We do not purchase the kingdom. We receive it and allow it to change us internally. It was to be freely given because it was invalu able. Who could put a price tag on the anointing that breaks the yoke of oppression off of a person? It is beyond compensation. This is a subtle but essential distinction. This Gospel is not for sale because it is beyond purchase. Indeed, many who try to “buy it” actually miss it. They get something but it is not what they think. Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the laborer is worthy of His hire. (Matt. 10:9) These instructions of Jesus seem extreme. This is the sort of thing that takes a lot of faith. Jesus was establishing an important precedent in volving simplicity, humility, and cooperation. Jesus’s men surely learned what it meant to be provided for in the journey. The trust involved in going on such a mission is part of the preparation and faith-building that helps accomplish the will of God in the mission. Essential Equipment for the Journey

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