“And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction.” (Matthew 10:1 ESV)
Right before this passage of scripture takes place, Jesus traveled through many towns and villages in the area teaching the Good News. He was keenly aware crowds of people followed everywhere he went, noting they seemed as lost sheep in need of a shepherd (Matt.9:35-36).
“The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields” (Matt.9:37-38). When Jesus said this to his disciples, he was referring to the multitude of people that followed him (the harvest), but it lacked workers (shepherds). He then followed this statement by a specific instruction for a solution (to be presented in prayer): ask him to send more workers into his fields (v.38).
This leads to the introduction of our focus scripture: And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. (Matt.10:1). Notice Jesus called the twelve disciples to himself. After Jesus called them, he gave. To give is defined as a free transfer of a possession of something. Jesus gave the disciples freely the authority to become the laborers needed for the harvest. Jesus then gives specific instruction with the free gift (the authority he just gave): cast out unclean spirits and heal every disease and affliction.
You have been given authority over unclean spirits that bring affliction and disease. When you have authority over something you can exert a level of power in their name (the name of Jesus), like a Power of Attorney. We are Christ ambassadors, his hands and feet while here on Earth.
You carry great authority OVER (not under) unclean spirits. Are you exercising your authority? Has the Lord called you? If you aren’t sure, He’s calling you right now. There is no need to wonder any longer, go to Him and receive the authority he has given you.
Recommended Reading: Matthew 9:35-38, 2 Corinthians 5:20
NOTE: Unclean Spirits can be referred to as some of the following: demonic possession, spirit of impurity, evil spirit, other gods, one who acts as a demoniac
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, give me faith to receive the authority that has already been given to me. Prompt me to command evil spirits that bring infirmity and affliction out through the power and authority you have given me in your name. I choose to be a laborer for the harvest. Here am I, send me Lord. Amen!
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