Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 53:6-9
"He called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases." (Luke 9:1) This verse is especially compelling given it comes on the heals of the stories in Luke 8 of the fully demonized man and a woman with an incurable disease. I wrote yesterday that over the weekend God was speaking in our gatherings about this exact subject. Has power over all demons and to heal the sick really be given to followers of Jesus?
The reality is whether we believe it or not it has. Sunday, I was fully aware of God's desire to set people free from the powers of darkness manifesting themselves in habitual sin, unhealthy addictions, and paralyzing thought patterns. Certainly, I feel I have no personal power or skill to help people even cope or manage with these types of issues. But, I do know the man prophesied about in Isaiah 53 does. His name is Jesus.
In Luke 9, we find Jesus going up on a mountain to pray. (vs. 28) As he is praying, his physical appearance for a moment is unmasked. (vs. 29) He is seen for who he truly is - the Son of God. (vs. 35)
Jesus has given authority and power to his followers. How will it be revealed to a world that so desperately needs the kingdom to come in its full power? Paul writes:
"We all... beholding the glory of the Lord are being transformed into the same image."
(2 Cor. 5:18a)
We follow Jesus to the place of prayer. As we pray, we reflect on who God is. We ask for his Holy Spirit to fill us. We begin to behold His glory. We begin to be changed - degree by degree - into his image (2 Cor 5:18b). We begin to reflect Jesus to the world; faith in his power and authority to arise within us. His truth lays hold of us. We go out knowing the kingdom is coming - through us.
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