The Plight of the Twelve Apostles When First Sent to the Lost Sheep of Israel

Jesus gave power to his twelve disciples against unclean spirits to be able to cast them out and to heal all manner of sickness and diseases. The names of the twelve apostles were:

• Simon, who was also called Peter
• Andrew, the brother of Simon
• James, son of Zeb’e-dee
• John, the brother of James
• Phillip
• Bartholomew
• Thomas
• Matthew, the publican
• James, the son of Al-hae’us
• Leb-bae’us, whose surname was Thad-dae’us
• Simon the Canaanite
• Judas Iscariot (who betrayed Jesus)

Jesus sent these twelve men out into the lost sheep of the house of Israel. He told them specifically to not go into the way of the Gentiles or any city of the Sa-mar’i-tans. Their instructions were to preach about the Kingdom of heaven being close to all mankind, to heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, and to cast out devils. Jesus told the twelve apostles to not carry gold, silver or brass, written scripts, two coats, shoes or staves during their journey, but rather to know that the workman is worthy of his meat. Into whatever city or town they entered to find out who was worthy and stay with them until they left for another city or town.

Jesus knew there would be people who would not receive his apostles. His advice to them was whoever does not receive you or hear your words shake off the dust of your feet when you leave their house or city. In the Day of Judgment it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Go-mor’rha than for the city that did not receive you.

Jesus told his apostles he was sending them forth as sheep in the midst of wolves. He advised them to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves, but to beware of some men who would deliver them up to the councils and would scourge them in their synagogues. They would have to be brought before kings for the sake of Jesus for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. When this occurred, the apostles were not to worry or think how or what they would speak, because in the same hour in which they needed to speak it would be given them of the Spirit of the Father which will speak through them.

No doubt the apostles would be hated for the name of Jesus they held up and testified of. Jesus told the apostles just to flee from one city to another when they were persecuted, and do not be afraid, for there is nothing covered that will not be revealed and hid that will not be known. He would speak to them in darkness those things they were to speak in the light. What they heard in their ears from the Spirit of God is what they were to preach upon the housetops. Jesus warned his apostles to not be afraid of those who could kill only the body, but rather to fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Any who work within the Spirit of God/The Holy Ghost generation after generation will encounter similar situations as did the Apostles.

One specific area that comes forth to me at this time is how so many people try to obtain “riches” or regular salaries for their preaching, teaching, singing, etc. I don’t believe this is the will of God to be so. I believe all things done in the name of Jesus should be freely given with no specific price tag attached. Often I hear, “I will pray a special prayer for your healing if you will send me $10 in the mail to help continue this ministry.” I truly do not believe this is how Jesus originally meant for people to work for his namesake. I would strongly advise you not to send anyone money to pray for you. There are “religious scams” just like all other types of scams.

I also believe a true worker for Christ works 24 hours a day as bided within the Holy Ghost for him or her to do so. I don’t think that person carries a schedule book, because if he or she is actually lead by the Spirit of God, The Holy Ghost only knows their schedule. Doors will be opened when necessary, and in that same hour, whatever is to be spoke will be spoken. God does not wait for people to especially gather at certain times of the day in special places to deliver messages through his true anointed. There are thousands of messages prepared in advance and delivered in the name of Jesus that are not sent by the Holy Ghost.

So who pays the men and women of God if it is not prearranged? Just as the Apostles were told, they have to be content with whatever is given them at the time of their journey. God provides for his true anointed people. God delivers his anointed people.

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© 2007 Connie Limon. All Rights Reserved