And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits.

Mark 6:7-13

And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. Mark 6:7

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 6:7-13, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary - which offers four divisions for this text. Excerpts from the commentary's introduction to the entirety of the text (vv7-13) and for the first (of four) division (v7): 

• The commentary's main idea for the vv7-13 is "[e]ven in the face of rejection or death, our mission is to preach the gospel and advance the kingdom."
• The title for the first division is "Go with Jesus’ Authority and as a Team"
• Upon rejection (see vv1-6), [Jesus] may be disappointed (as all of us will be from time to time), but He is not deterred from fulfilling the will of His Father." So He continues with His mission to share the Gospel.  
• "After discipling and mentoring the Twelve for an extended period, it is now time for them to get their feet wet, to move to the next level. Though all aspects of their training and instruction do not apply to us, we would be wise to consider some significant principles in our particular assignment as we join hands with Jesus to 'advance the kingdom.'"  
• This first division includes two principles we should apply as we consider mission work.  The first is that we should go as a team for both safety and mutual support.  The commentary then refers us to Old Testament text where it describes how the law (see Deuteronomy 17:6; 19:15; 2 Corinthians 13:1) required two witnesses to verify a matter. 
• The second principle is how we are sent by God on His behalf and He equips us with authority and power. See also 2 Corinthians 5:20a.

2 Corinthians 5:20a is key in multiple respects, including how we should be mindful of our role as Christ's ambassadors and how our words and actions may reflect poorly not just on us but by extension on Christ. This is a heavy responsibility that believers should take very seriously and it should drive us into the arms of Christ in prayer and to deepen our relationship in Him through study of His Word, etc.  As God works in our hearts and life (renewing our mind - see Romans 12:2), we become more like Him and of course we are utterly dependent on Him (as we go out we are instructed to go "lean" as reminder that it is Him that equips and provides - see also v8).

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that saves, provides, equips, etc.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You save and bless.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.