Luke 9:1-6 (ESV)
And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. And he said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics. And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.
Devotional Meditation
Jesus calls. Then he gathers the called to himself. He grants a share of his own power and authority to the called. He commissions and commands the called. And, finally, he sends the called out to preach the good news of the kingdom of God.
We see multiple occurrences of this same pattern not only here in Luke’s gospel, but in the book of Acts. Throughout the book of Acts, we see that even though Jesus is no longer visibly present with his church (as he was prior to his crucifixion and resurrection), he is nonetheless still present, still calling, gathering, empowering, commissioning, commanding, and sending laborers into the harvest. Jesus is still sending out men to preach the good news of the kingdom of God. Still sending out men to proclaim repentance and the forgiveness of sins in his name. Still sending out men to make disciples by baptizing and teaching all that he has commanded. Still sending out men to give his gifts of life and salvation to those who hunger and thirst.
Many years ago, Jesus called me by the gospel. And four years ago, he gathered me and about fifty other men to Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO to begin a process of training and preparation. And now, in the coming days and weeks, Jesus will, through his church, set us apart, authorize, command, commission, and send us out to preach the good news of the kingdom of God.
This Tuesday, at 7:00 PM (Central), Concordia Seminary will hold its annual Call Service. On this night, they will announce the names of the congregations where Jesus is sending us. If you like, you can watch a live stream of the service here: Concordia Seminary Call Day Service