City Life Starter

Written by Nate Warren

The Word

And as you go, [proclaim], saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.

Matthew 10:7-8

Reflection

During Jesus’ ministry, He proclaimed that the Kingdom of God was at hand, it was within reach. He taught how the Kingdom of God functioned. He manifested the Kingdom of God in signs and wonders, such as those in the above passage. He then told his disciples to do the same things he was doing. The passage above was spoken to the twelve as they were commissioned to take His message and His power to the villages and cities of Israel. Later, He would tell them (us) to do this in all of the nations of the world.

Application

The path of discipleship two millennia later is the same as it was for the first disciples. By the intercession of the Holy Spirit and in fellowship with other believers, You and I can be with Jesus, learn at His side, become like Him in word and character, and do the things He did. We are commissioned to proclaim His Kingdom, teach His ways, and manifest His power for the sake of the mission.

What is Jesus calling you to today? Will you take solitude, as He often did, in order to renew your spirit and commune with the Father, Son, and Spirit? Is it time for you to proclaim–to speak about all of the things Jesus has done and who He is? Should you begin to share what God has taught you about the workings of His Kingdom with others? Perhaps He is calling you to reach out in faith and provide healing or share a word of knowledge? All of these?

Prayer

Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21

Hebrews 13:20-21