Mark 6:7-13

There comes a point in any students’ life, when they have take all the theory and begin to apply it.  This is really a bit of a make or break moment. You know the theory, but it’s time to put it into practice.  This can be a terrifying moment.  Being a little nerdy, before I learnt to drive, I studied the theory of driving. I learnt how gears work, the purpose of the clutch, the meaning of different terms. I really sought to understand everything about driving.  But that didn’t stop the first time I actually got in the drivers seat from being a terrifying experience.  Sure I got the theory, but actually driving was another thing altogether.

Often students will try put off the day when they have to put the theory into practice, but every good teacher knows that its only when you have an opportunity to practice what you have learnt that the learning really sinks in.  And so it was with Jesus and the disciples.  After watching Jesus heal, cast out demons and teach – he instructs them to do the same.  In pairs he sends them out with clear instructions – to those who welcome you, stay with them – to the cities that reject you – wipe the dust from your feet (a massive insult in that culture by the way) as you leave.

And the disciples went, they were obedient, and because they were obedient, because they had faith they saw many miracles, they proclaimed a gospel of repentance and many were cured of illness and they cast demons out of many.

I can’t help but believe that our mission hasn’t changed.  We are commanded to go out like the disciples do.  But in fear of the unknown, in fear of failing we refuse to put the theory into practice.  One of the sad indictments of the modern church is that Churches are full of people with the theory but not many are willing to actually put the theory into practice – to go out as Jesus commanded proclaiming that all should repent, casting out demons and healing the sick.

Be obedient, when Jesus says to Go then GO!  When Jesus says to tell others about eternal life – well, do it!  Don’t worry about the excuses, just be obedient.

Now: Read Mark 6: 7-13

Then: Go Swedish (what’s this?)