I endeavor to always discern who's ready to receive based on recognizing the presence of the Spirit's power or on recognizing those who are humble and receiving the message. Over the years, I've noticed that some ministers don't like this type of approach because they think I'm rejecting some people. Christians that do this will sometimes site Luke 10 where Jesus sends out 72 disciples with power to heal the sick and cast out demons. Those 72 disciples returned with joy because they had great success healing people and casting out demons. The insinuation by those who teach this is that everyone received, but that's not true. A closer look at the whole context of Luke 10 shows us that the disciples ministered to those who
welcomed them. Those who were proud were warned of destruction.
Luke 10:8-12
“When you enter a town and are
welcomed, eat what is offered to you. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ But when you enter a town and are
not welcomed, go into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town we wipe from our feet as a warning to you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God has come near.’ I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town. - Luke 10:8-12
Amen Tom. I've wrestled with this in my short time as a believer and I have to agree with you.
ReplyDeleteI really have to work on this. In the past I've felt I should stop about everyone and talk to them/ask for pain in their bodies, but that just made me really exhausted, depressed and not seeing any results. That became striving in my own power. It lead to exhaustion, depression and feeling an unbearable pressure to talk to EVERYONE. And that's not from God.
ReplyDeleteLater, I've asked Holy Spirit to guide me to whome to speak to, where to find them, signs to look for etc. He has led me into situations where these things came to happend. And that's incredible encouraging! And seeing that Holy Spirit actually told me something and it came to pass gives me incredible encouragement in those situations. Also I think it brings great joy to God when we try to listen to His spirit and we try what we think we hear -being obedient. I believe I will be more and more lead by the Holy Spirit as I show more and more obedience. God bless, Kristoffer