“Repent…!”

“Repent…!”(Mk.6:7-13).
During his earthly ministry Jesus was an itinerant preacher. He moved from place to place preaching, teaching and healing. These threefold mission of Jesus is ongoing.
Jesus’ preaching focused on repentance, the ongoing preaching today continues on that but emphasises that after repentance we must believe in Jesus as the Christ, the son of God if we must inherit eternal life.
Mark tells us that Jesus called “the Twelve and sent them out two by two and gave them authority over evil spirits.”
We are not told how long it took for them to carry out the mission, but we know that they were to stay in one house until they leave that town. They were only six pairs. If they divided the towns between themselves, then each pair surely had more than one town to preach in. They were not to force the message on the people. If a town will not welcome them or listen to them, they were to shake the dust off their feet as a testimony against them.
These itinerant six pairs went out and carried out their assignments.“They went out and preached that people should repent. They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.”
Upon their return, they took time and “gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught.” After such tedious assignment they needed some rest, so Jesus told them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place”(Mk.6:30-32).
As they went from place to place they were to depend totally on God’s providence. Jesus ordered them, to take nothing for the journey except their staff, but no bread, no bag, no money and no extra tunic which could serve as blanket on a cold night.
An itinerant minister cannot be burdened with extra loads. Food, clothing and shelther are the basic human needs; the rest is ostentatious and a great source of distraction from the core assignment.
Worthy of note is that before we go out for Jesus, he must call us and authorise us. We must not burden ourselves with material things; except that which will bring succour to the needy.
Our focus should be to preach that people should repent and turn to God. We should teach and heal the sick all in the name of Jesus and to the glory of God.
Prayer: Holy Spirit giude me as I carry out my assignment in fulfilment of the Great Commission. Amen!
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.