Pastor column: Jesus is calling you

Jesus called to Him those He Himself wanted — “that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons” (Mark 3:13-15). This passage is special because it reminds us that anyone who will follow the Lord will be used by Him. If Jesus can use these 12 men like He did, then He can use you and me. If you are saved, I want you to know that you have a place in the Lord’s service.

These verses reveal three priorities in ministry that we must not ignore. Priority One involves discipleship — “that they should be with Him ” Every disciple’s first priority is to “be with Jesus.” We are called to follow Him in a relationship of personal fellowship, teaching us His ways. Learning from Him requires closeness because He loves us. He desires our fellowship!

James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” Intimacy on this level is available to all those who desire it. Get close to Jesus. It’s priority number one!

Priority Two involves declaration — to go out “to preach.” The word “preach” means “to proclaim, to declare, to announce a message.” The good news that God has sent His Son into the world to be our Savior — a message of hope, peace and blessing.

Jesus calls all to be witnesses. When He saved you, He placed His Spirit within you. When the Spirit came in, He gave you a testimony to share and a commission to share it (Acts 1:8). He wants us to declare His message!

Priority Three involves demonstration — we’ve been given the “power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons.” Mark 6:7 tells us “Calling the 12 to Him, He [Jesus] sent them out two by two and gave them authority over evil spirits.” This authority was not only given to the disciples then but to all followers of Jesus. We have the authority over the powers of darkness. We have the victory over the devil. Satan is a defeated enemy.

Prayer is the way God’s power and authority is released and demonstrated. God’s provided you all the resources you need to do His work. It’s been said, “The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work and prayerless religion. He laughs at our religious rituals, mocks our wisdom, but he trembles when we pray.”

E.M. Bounds said, “What the church needs today is not more or better machinery, not new organizations, or more novel methods; but men whom the Holy Spirit can use … men of prayer, men mighty in prayer. The Holy Spirit does not flow through methods but through men of prayer.”

Every time we give testimony to the life-changing, soul-saving power of Jesus, His love and grace are validated. Every time we pray in faith, the hand of God moves. Every day that we live is a powerful demonstration of the power and presence of our God!

Rev. J. Patrick Street is the lead pastor of Redeemer Church in Marion. He can be reached at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Jesus is calling you to declare his message