Matthew 10:1-4

Matthew 10:1-4 
English Standard Version (ESV) 
  10 And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction.
  2 The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

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  When Jesus calls people, he calls them with a purpose.  The disciples were called to Jesus and then sent out with power and authority, charged with proclaiming the power of God and liberating people from diseases and afflictions. 
  It's easy to be discouraged when we read this.  We end up wondering what our purpose is, because we can't heal every disease and don't seem to have authority over unclean spirits.  Our lives are probably not as dramatic as those of the first disciples.
  But they were charged with turning hearts and minds to learn more about Jesus.  Their actions weren't a substitute for the presence of Jesus -- they led people in to learn more about Jesus.  Like the community in John 4, they heard a testimony and then went to learn more.  Their intrigue led to believe when they encountered Jesus.
  So maybe you don't have authority over unclean spirits.  But your life can testify to the power and love and presence of God.  In your words and actions, you can invite people to experience the love of God, to taste and see that the Lord is good.  Your responsibility is not to convert people -- you are charged to point to Christ and let the Holy Spirit work in the hearts and minds of those who have not yet heard and not yet believed in the beautiful name of Jesus Christ.

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