But it is not only words, it is power. Real power. Evidence of the truth of the words.

Jesus instruction here to the disciples may seem mind boggling. Think about it, He is telling these men to go and raise the dead! Not figuratively, but literally! Some would explain this away by claiming it speaks of dead souls brought to the life of Christ, but if you make this phrase symbolic instead of literal, what of the others. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons… Do we change all this to symbolic? Hardly.

Jesus did all these things Himself. He obviously had the authority. He gave His authority to the disciples. So He logically expected them to do what He Himself did.

This gospel is a gospel of power. Not just words, but deeds impossible for man to accomplish. Miracles by the name of Jesus. If we only do what man can do, how does God get the glory?

This power is real, just as real today as back then. Where in scripture does it speak of God rescinding this authority? Is the name of Jesus no longer authority over sickness and demons? He said “I am the same yesterday, today, and forever”. You and I walk in that same authority as disciples of Christ, today.

Why don’t we see more miracles in the lives of modern Christians? I think there are a few reasons.

1. Most don’t know they have this authority. You can not spend money in a checking account if you don’t carry the checks and use them.

2. Today’s typical church member is more concerned with their own comfort, success, pleasure than God’s kingdom. God will not bless selfish motives.

3. Faith is lacking. Often Jesus said that the miracle required faith, trust in God. If we trust someone or something over God, he can not work the miracle or someone else gets credit thereby leading us astray.

4. People tend to seek signs and miracles more than righteousness, and lose authority by misusing the authority.

The scripture says to seek God and His righteousness first. Then all things will be added. This speaks of a pure heart, truly desiring God’s presence over all else.

Yet God does in fact work miracles at the hands of his followers today. I have personally witnessed such miracles. Not one or two isolated events, but in a daily basis. It is real. I have also witnessed the removal of this authority when the miracles become more important than the message, more important than the miracle worker.

Jesus healed out of compassion for the hurting, but every healing was accompanied with a message, “go and sin no more”. When we seek physical healing or prosperity above righteousness, we will not see that healing. In the old testament stories, they knew God “could” deliver them, but choose to follow Him whether God did or didn’t. That’s the key… Stay focused on His will and glory. Touch others out of compassion for the hurting And God will honor the authority over death and sickness.

God wants to heal the sick, raise the dead, cast out the demons that torment us, but more importantly He wants to see our hearts set right. He will not allow His power to be a stumbling block to us, to cause pride, selfishness, to focus on this world. He is looking for those filled with quiet compassion, faith, desire to glorify God in all things, reject sin in all forms. To these He gives authority to touch the hurting and heal.

The message here? The gospel is truth and power. But that power comes through the truth and pure motives. Seek the truth, the pureness, and God will grant the power of the Gospel.