Mark 6:7-137And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits; 8And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse: 9But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats. 10And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place. 11And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. 12And they went out, and preached that men should repent. 13And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them. (Mark 6:7‑13)
IN another chapter we have seen how Jesus chose twelve apostles, and appointed them to go out and preach the gospel, and heal the sick, and cast out devils. In this chapter we find Him sending them out "two and two," and giving them instructions, how they were to go, and what they were to do. Jesus was the King, and these disciples were His messengers, to carry good tidings to His people. They were to take nothing for their journey except a staff — no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse. They were to have their feet shod with sandals, and were not to take two coats; and whatever house they 'entered into in a village or town, there they were to abide till they left the place. They were not to go from house to house. But what does all this mean? Well, they were the King's messengers, and were going among the people, and there was haste; so they were not to take anything they did not need, and what they did need, they could depend upon the King to supply through His people. The "scrip" was a leather bag for carrying food on a journey, and they were not to take it, nor bread, nor money. They were going among the King's people with good news, and with power to heal the sick, and cast out devils, and they would be cared for, so that they need not concern themselves about their needs.
But woe to those who received them not. When they departed, they were to shake of the dust from under their feet for a testimony against them. Their message, confirmed by working miracles, would leave them without excuse, and in the day of judgment it would be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha than for them.
This is very solemn. Sodom and Gomorrha were two very wicked cities, and God rained brimstone and fire on them, and burned them up, because of their awful wickedness. And yet it would be worse for those who received not the 'King's messengers. Oh ! dear children, what must it be for you, if you receive not Jesus Himself, who is offered to you as a Saviour. Ah! Scripture tells us it will be the "lake of fire" forever, for those who reject Christ. Oh! may you receive Him, and rejoice in the Saviour.
The apostles went and "preached that men should repent. And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them." All this they did in the name of the King. It was a wonderful testimony. Who could resist it? Ah ! but many did resist it, and afterwards killed the King. How fearful must be their doom!
But God has raised up that murdered King from the dead, and now presents Him to you as a Saviour, whose blood can wash away all your sins, and who is ready to give you eternal life. Will you reject Him, too, and perish forever? Or will you receive Him and be saved and blessed forever?
Messages of God’s Love 6/16/1901