Heralds Digest

“Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick...So they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭9:1-2, 6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://bible.com/114/luk.9.1-2,6.nkjv Jesus here taught the kingdom workers the basic principle of delegation. Clearly, true delegation is based on the designation of power and authority over demons rather than the mere distribution of the principles of administration. Little wonder that king Herod was quickly awakened by the violent takeover of the city by the force from the kingdom of God. Faithful men in our contemporary times have demonstrated the same power and authority that is inherent in delegated discipleship. Unfortunately, the exigencies of life have always constitute a distraction of engagements in undesignated districts by the delegates of the kingdom of God today. Dist...

“But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.”” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭8:50‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/luk.8.50.nkjv The concept of asking and receiving is not that simple and straightforward, until the context of faith is clearly defined. In reality, seeker’s situation and circumstances often appear to get worse on the trail of trusting God for answer. For example, while Jairus was waiting for Jesus’ attention for his sick daughter, the sickness turned to death. Then came the challenge from the Saviour “Do not be afraid; only believe”. Everyone can understand how unfruitful faith turns to fear when the challenges of life at home, workplaces, and ministry grow worse from bad. Unfortunately, faith in a desperate change to believers’ sick conditions cannot produce the desirable wellness. “Only believe” in the Lord and His promises, even in unpleasant circumstances; and good will surely come. As long as believers can attract a...

“Now the man from whom the demons had departed begged Him that he might be with Him. But Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you.” And he went his way and proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭8:38-39‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://bible.com/114/luk.8.38-39.nkjv The experience of the demon-possessed lunatic of Gadarene teaches that it is only sane minds that cultivate the sense of shame. After his freedom from demons, he was constrained to expressed the willingness to follow Jesus; instead of the possible embrace of fellowship with the people in the city. Although the actions of the people to the miracle leading to his freedom from demon-possession were discouraging, it does not undermine the great things God had done for him. Instead of accepting the shame-inflicting strategy of the devil and keep quiet, Jesus admonished him to “Return to your own house (comfort zone), and tell what...

“And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭8:24‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/luk.8.24.nkjv One of the devastating influences of the raging of the water and wind in life is the lost of focus and the crippling of believers’ confidence in the statements and promises of the Master. Fear of the unknown in life torments the minds from contemplating on the right purpose for living. When the disciples of Jesus cried out “Master, Master, we are perishing!”, it was obvious that the slightest faith in the Redeemer’s commissioning to the other side of the lake was completely lost. They were absolutely fearful and crippled by the fate of death. However, it is instructive to note that life’s raging in believers’ career, family, and ministry is already rebuked; as long as they are engaged at the centre of God’s will. Therefore, faith in the M...

“But He answered and said to them, “My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.”” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭8:21‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://bible.com/114/luk.8.21.nkjv The ‘Family First’ admonition is mostly relevant in our fast-paced world of prior pursuit of career advancement, selfishness in social relationships at work, home and in the society. However, the misconception in the admonition is obvious in most relationships where the concept of the First Family is misunderstood. When the disciples called the attention of Jesus to the possibility of leaving God’s assignment in order to attend to parents, it was necessary for Christ to correct the misplacement of priority. In most homes and fellowships, the problem of misplacement of priority is not with the ‘Family First’ admonition; the real problem is the misconception in the ‘First Family’ admiration. When everyone in the family and fellowship gives the utmost priority to knowing and doing the will of God, by giving God the ‘Fi...

“Therefore take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from him.”” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭8:18‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/luk.8.18.nkjv The power of the gospel, being the central of God’s word to man, is here emphasized by the Lord Jesus Christ. When Apostle Paul elsewhere posited that the gospel is the power of God unto salvation, his life and ministry with the testimony of salvation from the converts in Rome provide no little evidence of the potency of grace through the gospel. When the right chance is given a single dose of the gospel, grace brings a radical transformation in the radiance of the glory of God in man. God’s grace changes everything in a perceived worthless life into a preserved worthwhile life. Wherever on the social media, secular meetings and spiritual masses, God’s grace distinguishes the redeemed of the Lord for supernatural manifestation, if given the right chance.

“But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭8:15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/luk.8.15.nkjv Instant goodies is more attractive to all sight assessors in any relationship. This is because there is no painful request for processing time before the feeling of goodness. Unfortunately, no one is guaranteed a lasting peace and joy in any relationship without an investment of time and confidence in the possibilities for a good end. Patience in relationships with God’s word is built on confidence and trust in eventual goodness, rather than in instant goodies. A good heart receives the promises of God on the value of grace rather than on its appreciable goodness. In all seasons of life either in dryness or freshness, God is good. Otherwise, no one is able to hold on to the promises of God in times of trials and tribulations, especially when heart keeps failing under the burde...