The online KPPI (Praise and Divine Healing Service) took place on Monday, March 29, 2021, through the Live Streaming program which can be watched on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. The Word of God was delivered by Rev. Jacob B. Sumbayak, taken from Matthew 10: 1-8 about Jesus called the twelve apostles.
Jesus Called the Twelve Apostles
To choose the twelve main disciples or apostles, previously Lord Jesus continued all night in prayer to God (Luke 6:12).
Why did Jesus have to pray before choosing these twelve apostles? Because even though Jesus is God when He was on earth as a human being who is very dependent on the Father in heaven, He had a life that was obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Philippians 2: 6-7, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.
Even though Jesus is God, He emptied Himself and became like us. His life depended on the Father and the leading of the Holy Spirit. It was like a king who disguised as a traveler in a poor area. He would act as a traveler, and would not use his power as a king. So Jesus asked His Father for guidance, praying all night long so that He would know who should be appointed as a disciple. After praying all night long, when it was daytime He chose twelve of His disciples (Luke 6:13)
Matthew 10: 2-4 These are the names of the twelve apostles: First Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, and James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector, James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, the Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot who betrayed Him.
Judging from the background, there were fishermen, Matthew, a former tax collector who was considered a follower of the colonizers, but also Simon the Zealot, a warrior who fought against the Roman invaders. Even though there were contradictions among them, because they were chosen by Jesus, they loved each other. They were ordinary people, not educated, but those were what God called and chose as His apostles.
Jesus Calls and Sends Anyone Who Will Believe and Follow Him
Maybe right now we feel, “Am I worthy to be called by Lord Jesus, as His disciple, as His child? Am I worthy to be called to serve Jesus? Do I deserve to be forgiven since my sins are so many? Do I deserve salvation, because I am so uneducated? Am I worthy of being accepted and loved by Jesus Christ, because I have nothing, full of imperfections? Am I worthy, since I am. not a great nor famous person?
Jesus loves all of us, whoever we are, and our backgrounds. Jesus longs to call us, know Him, believe in Him and become His disciples. Tonight through this program, Jesus is calling you! Jesus knows your name! All of God’s disciples were also ordinary people but were loved by God and chosen by God.
Jesus didn’t call us for no reason, but to go to the lost sheep of the people of Israel. Jesus loved all nations, but the ministry of the first disciples was focused on Israel. After Jesus rose, all of his disciples were sent to the ends of the earth.
Matthew 10: 7-8, This is a call for all believers, 2000 years ago God said the kingdom of heaven was at hand, especially now, the second coming of God is so near.
Jesus empowered His disciples in His name. The power in the name of Jesus comes through His Word so that the sick are healed. The power in the name of Jesus also raises the dead. Also, cleanse lepers, and cast out demons in His name. God has given all freely, so we must also give freely!
That is what God will give to all who believe in Jesus. Who wants to be His disciples? Maybe you feel unworthy because there are many sins, but God’s Word says,
Isaiah 1:18, “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.
Even if our sins are red like scarlet, we will be washed with the blood of Jesus. Let us come to God. It is time to receive forgiveness from God. This assurance was guaranteed by Jesus. Only the forgiveness of Jesus’ blood, can pay for all our sins.
God will forgive us. He does not punish us, as long as we believe and don’t sin again (John 8:11). If we accept the Lord Jesus as our Saviour, we have the right to become children of God. Salvation brings peace to live in our lives by Lord Jesus Christ.
By His stripes We Are Healed
In Jesus, there is healing too. Jesus can do this for those who are sick. God’s power is the same, yesterday, today until forever. The miracle remains the same.
Isaiah 53: 5, “But he was pierced for our rebellion, he was bruised for our iniquities; the reward which brings us salvation is inflicted upon him, and by his stripes we are healed”.
This is the basis of faith in healing, whatever illnesses we have, we can be healed. His whole body was scourged, and by His stripes we are healed. Believe this! Jesus is the same. His power is the same, He is able to perform miracles. (Hebrews 13:8)
Even today God can do miracles for you! Jesus’ power is unlimited, Jesus is God who came down to the world, therefore He is able to perform all miracles. In His name, miracles of healing will occur. Put one hand on the sick part of your body and lift the other one, as a sign of belief and pray to Lord Jesus who is the Healer. [rs/hn/em]