May 20
"Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him." - Matthew 10:1-4 (NIV)
This list in Matthew of Jesus' twelve disciples doesn't give us many details about these very different individuals. Perhaps there weren't many impressive details to record. Jesus called these people from all walks of life. They were fishermen, political activists, zealots, scholars, tax collectors accountants, the well educated, and poorly educated. Some were married. Others were single but he called common people and transformed them into uncommon leaders. He called both the rich and poor and people of different religious persuasions.
Today, some organizations and bureaucracies think only certain people are fit to be in ministry for Christ. However, this was not the attitude of Jesus. God can use anyone, no matter how insignificant he or she appears and no matter how they feel about themselves. If you ever feel unworthy, ill equipped, poorly trained, small, useless, or unfit just pause a minute and remember Jesus has always used ordinary imperfect people to do God's extraordinary work. Jesus called his twelve disciples. He didn't draft them, force them, or beg them to volunteer. Christ chose them to minister in special and creative ways in unique places and challenging situations. Christ is still calling each one of us today. He never twists our arms or forces us do something we aren't willing or able to do. We can choose to follow our Lord into new adventures and incredible opportunities or we can choose to remain behind with the limitations of safe familiar roads and limited opportunities. When Christ calls you to follow him, how will you respond? What will your answer be?
Prayer: Jesus, Grant me the courage to follow you. Amen.
Meditation For The Day: God's call demands our all.
Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Spring Renewal Paperback – February 21, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)
May 20
"Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him." - Matthew 10:1-4 (NIV)
This list in Matthew of Jesus' twelve disciples doesn't give us many details about these very different individuals. Perhaps there weren't many impressive details to record. Jesus called these people from all walks of life. They were fishermen, political activists, zealots, scholars, tax collectors accountants, the well educated, and poorly educated. Some were married. Others were single but he called common people and transformed them into uncommon leaders. He called both the rich and poor and people of different religious persuasions.
Today, some organizations and bureaucracies think only certain people are fit to be in ministry for Christ. However, this was not the attitude of Jesus. God can use anyone, no matter how insignificant he or she appears and no matter how they feel about themselves. If you ever feel unworthy, ill equipped, poorly trained, small, useless, or unfit just pause a minute and remember Jesus has always used ordinary imperfect people to do God's extraordinary work. Jesus called his twelve disciples. He didn't draft them, force them, or beg them to volunteer. Christ chose them to minister in special and creative ways in unique places and challenging situations. Christ is still calling each one of us today. He never twists our arms or forces us do something we aren't willing or able to do. We can choose to follow our Lord into new adventures and incredible opportunities or we can choose to remain behind with the limitations of safe familiar roads and limited opportunities. When Christ calls you to follow him, how will you respond? What will your answer be?
Prayer: Jesus, Grant me the courage to follow you. Amen.
Meditation For The Day: God's call demands our all.
Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Spring Renewal Paperback – February 21, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)
No comments:
Post a Comment