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. Matthew 10:1 ESV
Large hospitals are building urgent care centers throughout the US. Urgent care centers can provide a wide variety of non-emergent health services including illness treatment, minor injury care, lab services, and preventative care. They are scaled-down versions of hospitals that offer services that are required for an illness or injury that would result in further disability or death if not treated immediately.
Most people find it easier and more convenient to go to urgent care than to a large hospital where they may have to wait for hours to get medical attention. They like the availability and flexibility of having urgent care centers closer to their homes in case of an emergency.
Disciples of Jesus Christ are spiritual urgent caregivers. Many people in our sphere of influence cannot afford to wait until Sunday morning or Wednesday night Bible study to hear a word from the Lord. During these challenging times of COVID-19 restrictions, some people need urgent care for their mental or emotional, marital, or financial, physical, or spiritual condition. These people cannot wait for a pastor’s calendar to free up so they can get spiritual counseling. They cannot afford to wait for a psychologist or therapist to “fit” them into their schedule. If we do not give them the urgent care they need, they may commit suicide or lose their sanity.
As spiritual urgent caregivers, we offer services that no hospital can provide. When we take the time to cook a meal for the sick or elderly or encourage the brokenhearted or intercede for the sick and needy, we are providing preventative care. Every time we share the gospel of truth with unbelievers, we are offering urgent care.
The world has an urgent need for love. The word of God teaches us how to share the medicine of love with the world. This country has an urgent need for unity and justice. Believers should share the gospel of peace for the sake of unity and healing. Perhaps your family is an urgent need for reconciliation to get rid of the bitterness and rancor that have festered in the midst.
In today’s text, Jesus gave his disciples authority over uncleaned spirit, and the power to heal every disease and every affliction. Jesus knew the world needed urgent spiritual care. Even when Jesus lived on earth, demons and demonic spirits were terrorizing people. The demon-possessed had no recourse for their condition. This is why Jesus gave his disciples authority over unclean spirits.
Demon-possession remains an overwhelming challenge today. As was the case in biblical times, the only cure for demonic possession is the power of the gospel that only believers have. Thus, believers have to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit because we have to be ready to give spiritual urgent care to those who are struggling with demonic possession.
Jesus gave us the authority to operate as spiritual caregivers. Wherever we go and whatever our station in life, we have the burden of operating as spiritual caregivers. When we do so, the blind will see, the lame will walk, broken marriages will be fixed, the hungry will be fed, the naked will be clothed, the homeless will have shelter, and the lost will be found.
Questions for Personal Reflection
How can God use you as a spiritual urgent caregiver this week?
Can you identify two people who need you to help them with their urgent needs?
Prayer- Blessed Lord, open the eyes of our hearts so we can see those who are hurting and be stirred to provide urgent care by the power of your Holy Spirit.