Inspired!

Inspired!

Matthew 10:19-20 AMPC

[19] But when they deliver you up, do not be anxious about how or what you are to speak; for what you are to say will be given you in that very hour and moment, [20] For it is not you who are speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

At some point during the earthly ministry of Jesus, He had disciples He mentored and then sent out to represent Him. These men were chosen from among other men, not angels. They were mortal men who had their own weaknesses, but they had one important attribute: they were backed up by Jesus. At one point, Jesus called the twelve disciples to Him, and the Bible records that He gave them power and authority over unclean spirits, to drive them out, and cure all kinds of disease and infirmity. That is power that cannot be bought with earthly currency, or being the strength of influence, connections or sheer intellect. It is critical to note that the people who were given this power were disciples of Jesus, and this tells me that access to this kind of power is only available to those who are under the control and influence of the Holy Spirit, who empowers for assignments such as these. 

As much as mortal man may seek relevance and influence in the world, you cannot do it the right way outside of the One who has the empowerment that counts. At the time Jesus sent them out, He gave clear instructions on channels, tools, target audience and even words to speak. Reflect on this: the One who sends out does not just leave us to our own schemes; He gives clear directives every step of the way. I must sort out my ownership and allegiance, so I can face the work that has been committed into my hands. For all who claim to know and follow God, we have been given this assignment, and His heart is glad when we do it under His guidance. The verses above then give another dimension to the assignment: it may get difficult due to the resistance of man. It may happen that men who do not understand will resist, arrest and seek to persecute you for doing the work of the Master. How should I respond?

The verses above make it clear that it may get hard sometimes. Men will deliver you up to authorities, but at that time, I am not to worry about what to say or how to speak. The One who commissions is the One who empowers and speaks through you. After all, it is His field and His harvest, and He knows how best to bring them in. It is a lesson in total and daily dependence on the Holy Spirit for help in these situations. Let it be clear that by human strength shall no man prevail. By labour alone shall no man be saved. It is only under the guidance of the Holy Spirit that change can happen in the lives of men. As the verses above make clear, it is the Holy Spirit that will speak through you. I must depend on Him at all times. I cannot do anything outside of Him. I work for Him. I serve at His command, and must therefore do all at His command. What of you? Salvation and empowerment are available for all who will submit. God's time of favour is here.