Day 11 of the Questions for Mark study.

“As Jesus sends you out today, reread vv. 7-13 and ask him for his instructions for you and the humble courage you’ll need to obey.”

Mark 6:10 And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.

Luke 10:5 And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.

I believe in the whole counsels of God. If the disciples knew to put forth peace as they went about doing the works of the ministry, it was not seen here. Jesus’ instructions differed in this one respect between the 12 in Mark and the 70 in Luke.

Romans 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

Only in Ephesians do we hear of the gospel of salvation but then only after trust was established and the truth revealed. Many a witness has been turned away because they lead off with a display of power and authority and forget that peace opens the door to a troubled heart.

Both teams were told to stay in the houses where they were welcomed. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of a peaceful countenance in ministering to a broken heart. It is broken already and does not need to be pounded into wholeness.

Jeremiah 8:22 Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?

Jeremiah 51:8 Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed: howl for her; take balm for her pain, if so be she may be healed.

It is the balm of peace that heals.