Cowboys and Indians are symbols of western exploration in America. In 1997, Paula Cole asks the question in her song, “Where have all the Cowboys gone?” Although the sing refers to a woman looking for a story book ending, to live happily ever after, cowboys are symbolic of hard work, self-reliance and in a sense, law and order maintained by sheriffs who rode on horse back. Like the famous quote from Curly in the 1991 film City Slickers, “cowboys are a dying breed.”
Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits, Mark 6:7.
The same can be said about authority today. Between the hip hop and rap culture disrespecting police officers with their lyrics, political correctness redefining ethics and the assault on the authenticity of the Bible, authority is disappearing. By smearing individuals with integrity as well as failing to hold others accountable to high standards, the ability to confront, rebuke and correct flawed worldviews is diminishing. All that remains is a blue print laid out by Jesus to his disciples.
Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give, Matthew 10:8.
Jesus sent out 12 ordinary men with one extraordinary message, “repent for the kingdom of heaven is near.” Jesus wasn’t trying to be like an overbearing coach, parent or teacher trying to tell you everything that you are doing wrong. Rather, Jesus wanted human beings to reflect upon their lives and allow the Holy Spirit to convict souls. When sins are expressed in a public settings, others feel compelled to come clean. This atmospheres lays a foundation for revival. When the words of the Bible are used properly, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, God’s authority can be restored to on earth as it is in heaven.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 