Pentecost Week Twelve - Empowered to Go

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This week we are walking through Luke 9:1-9.  In the Coldspring Church App, At the bottom of the app click Bible - Then right above that see the words "Reading Plan". Click ther for todays two passages.  Read those then close the plan by clicking on the top left down arrow. Next click the Blog icon in the bottom right corner of the app. Voila - you are here.

If you are reading on the website,  then you already found the blog - go find your bible and read the scripture for today you will find below.

We are moving into Luke Chapter Nine now. 

It’s important to remember all we learned from Chapter 8.  If you think about it, you are every bit as qualified as the disciples to be sent.  The only difference is they witnessed the works of Jesus, we are led by our faith – without seeing – and still believing.  That is powerful.

I am fond of saying that we are called to be the “Hands and Feet of Jesus.”  Being sent is both a gift and a calling. He empowered them with His authority, His guidance, and the promise of His provision. Again, we have the same exact power through the Holy Spirit. But we don’t think like that do we. (then stop it!).

This week, we’ll explore what it means to be empowered by and to know that we are part of something greater ourselves. But empowerment doesn’t come without challenges. Like the disciples, we are called to “get into the boat,” step out in faith, to trust God’s provision.
The journey of being “sent” is not easy. It requires humility, trust, and courage. It also requires us to look beyond our own abilities and rely fully on the authority and power of Christ.

I’m going to talk often about being uncomfortable. It is critical to realize that being unsure, maybe even frightened is the mark of being ready to be sent.

This is the paradox of Christian empowerment: we are strongest when we admit our weaknesses and allow God to work through us.


Monday: Empowered to Go

New Testament Text: Luke 9:1-2
Old Testament Text: Exodus 4:10-1

Every journey begins with a call. For the disciples, Jesus’ words to go and proclaim the kingdom of God were both an invitation and a challenge. They were being sent out with authority and power, yet without material preparation, to trust entirely in God’s provision and guidance.

Their mission wasn’t just about obedience—it was an opportunity to experience the transformative power of faith in action.

Historical Context
Jesus’ commissioning of the disciples would have been a radical moment for first-century Jews. At the time, authority over demons and sickness was thought to be reserved for God or His prophets. By granting His disciples this power, Jesus was proclaiming His identity as the Messiah and demonstrating the authority of God’s kingdom breaking into the world.

The disciples, however, were not conventional candidates for such a task. They weren’t rabbis or scholars but ordinary men—fishermen, a tax collector, and a zealot. Today they would be schoolteachers, store clerks, perhaps a nurse in a doctor’s office.  

Despite their lack of religious training, Jesus entrusted them with the mission to heal the sick and proclaim the kingdom, a task that also carried risks. (See why I preached on what I did this past Sunday!). Getting in the boat comes with danger!

If we take a look at historical writings, this moment in Luke’s Gospel also occurs against a backdrop of tension. Herod Antipas, the Roman-appointed ruler of Galilee, had recently executed John the Baptist. As word of Jesus’ ministry spreads, Herod begins to hear rumors of miraculous healings and extraordinary teachings. Some are saying Jesus is John resurrected; others claim He is Elijah or another prophet returned.

For Herod, the growing influence of Jesus and His disciples represents a potential challenge to his rule. This adds danger to the disciples’ mission, as they are proclaiming a new kingdom under God’s authority—a message that could be seen as politically subversive.

Modern Context
Christ’s call to go remains the same today. God often calls us to tasks that feel beyond our natural abilities or comfort zones. Like the disciples, we may feel unqualified or unsure of how to proceed. Yet, His promise to equip us for the work He has prepared is as true now as it was then.

In today’s world, the “kingdom of God” may not seem like a visible, tangible reality, but it is revealed through acts of love, service, and truth.
Whether God is calling you to serve within your community, share your faith, or take on a leadership role, He promises to go before you and provide what you need.

Reflection
Consider how the disciples’ trust in Jesus allowed them to step into their calling, despite their doubts and fears. Then, think about where God may be calling you today.

Are there opportunities to serve, speak, or act that you’ve been hesitant to embrace? I see so much potential in so many of you! But I also see the fear and hesitation (both signs of being ready).

Today’s Prayer
Lord, thank You for calling me to be part of Your kingdom work.
Help me to trust Your authority and power, even when I feel unprepared or uncertain.
Strengthen my faith and equip me for the tasks You’ve set before me.
May my life reflect Your love and purpose. Amen.