The One Year New Testament
April 6
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Mark 6:7-13
Mark 6:7-13
7 And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts— 9 but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. 10 And he said to them, “Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you depart from there. 11 And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” 12 So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent. 13 And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.
Reflection
Jesus’ disciples reach a new level of involvement as he sends them out in pairs. Their job was to call people to turn away from sin, to banish oppressive demons, and to heal the sick (Mark 6:12–13; cf. v. 30). Their discipleship was being empowered and they were maturing into Christlikeness. They were authorized agents participating in the work of the long-awaited kingdom of God.
The early manifestations of God’s kingdom are seen in these healings, exorcisms (the act of banishing demons), and miracles. They are glimpses of the power at work in the ministry of Jesus and the disciples. However, Jesus will eventually display even greater power in the decisive events that will “clinch” the establishment of the kingdom forever: his death and resurrection. In these miraculous events, the kingdom of darkness is dealt a deathblow. Victory is secured. The outcome is certain.
2 Corinthians 3:7-18
2 Corinthians 3:7-18
7 Now if the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at Moses' face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end, 8 will not the ministry of the Spirit have even more glory? 9 For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation, the ministry of righteousness must far exceed it in glory. 10 Indeed, in this case, what once had glory has come to have no glory at all, because of the glory that surpasses it. 11 For if what was being brought to an end came with glory, much more will what is permanent have glory.
12 Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, 13 not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. 14 But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. 15 Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. 16 But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
Reflection
Moses had a remarkable encounter with the presence of God (Ex. 34:29–35), but Christians have more complete access to him. While Israel could not even look at the face of Moses unless he wore a veil (Ex. 34:33), Christians can now look upon the glory of the Lord with an unveiled face (2 Cor. 3:18). This experience is ours because of what Christ has done for us (v. 14). Jesus has given us full access to the presence of God (see Heb. 10:20)!
The implications of this are profound. First, we have unlimited access to the very presence of God (2 Cor. 3:18). Second, Christ’s sacrifice gives us unashamed boldness to enjoy our free and limitless access to God (v. 12). Third, as we look upon God’s glory, the Spirit transforms us into the image of God’s glory (v. 18). From start to finish, the believer is being transformed by God’s glory, for God’s glory, and into the image of God’s glory.
Psalm 73:28
Psalm 73:28
28 But for me it is good to be near God;
I have made the Lord God my refuge,
that I may tell of all your works.
Thoughts For Prayer
The greatest privilege possible is to live in the presence of God. Do not take the privilege lightly, but be sure to take advantage of the opportunity. Those who spend time in God’s presence will never be the same!
Missions Prayer Requests More
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June 5, 2025
Supported Workers: Edgar (& Lety) Rivera, Neri (& Karina) Rivera
Country: Mexico
Pray that God will continue to give Edgar wisdom in assembling a Mexican board for the Missions Aviation Fellowship (MAF) work in Mexico. Pray for the two ESI groups that he is leading in Oaxaca and for a new group forming in Ensenada. Pray for the Bible study he recently started with two families in the town of San Lucas. Pray that Neri will have safety and wisdom as he facilitates ESI groups in the state of Chiapas. Twice a month, Neri visits Amoltepec, where political turmoil resulted in the president and two bodyguards being murdered in May. Pray for continued growth of the church plant. Praise and rejoice with them as they look forward to using their new church building in July. Pray for strength for Neri as he continues treatment for lymphoma and for wisdom to work within his physical limitations. Pray for healing for Neri and for extra strength for Karina during this difficult season in their lives. Pray for their daughter Tete, who is graduating from high school and is dealing with emotional struggles because of the changes in her life.
Benin (Africa). Population: 14,814,460 Believers: 8.3%. Animism is a powerful force in Benin. Although Christianity is poised to numerically overtake ethnic religions in the near future, far too many Christians have a syncretized, compromised faith that sees them in church on Sunday and consulting the witch doctor during the week. Pray for a revival that purifies the church and sees Christians honoring God alone. Benin is one of the few places where there is freedom, receptivity, and fruitfulness in reaching Muslim peoples with the good news. From Operation World DVD-ROM 2010 and www.operationworld.org
The One Year New Testament Copyright Tyndale House Publishers, used by Permission. NIV Bible copyright International Bible Society.